J.R.’s Family Bar-B-Q in Norman shut its doors indefinitely May 16, owner Jim Ross said on his website.
The unstable economy played a large role in the decision to close, said Ross, a former World Wrestling Entertainment announcer.
Ross opened J.R.’s off of Interstate 35 and Main Street in July 2007, but he said the restaurant could not handle the shift in the economy or the rising prices.
Closing the restaurant was challenging, Ross said.
“We had a fun, almost three-year run in a volatile business that saw us make many new friends, serve up some awesome food, launch our online business, which is growing exponentially, and see our products on the shelves of grocery stores,” he said.
The announcement seemed sudden and abrupt, said former Sooner football free safety Darrol Ray, owner of Ray’s Smokehouse BBQ, 1514 W. Lindsey St. Ray said he was surprised by the news.
“I know the guys. If it could happen to Mr. Ross, it could happen to anybody,” Ray said when asked if the closing makes other barbecue restaurant owners apprehensive. “He knows what he’s doing. The guys behind that [restaurant] were as good as it gets.”
Ross will continue to sell his line of barbecue products on his website, as well as in grocery stores across the country, a more conservative business model that has “unlimited potential,” he said.
Ross said he was grateful to everyone who worked and dined at J.R.’s and considers the setback “a blessing in disguise.”
“Life is good ... amazing days lie ahead ... great health is a blessing ... we have much to be thankful for ... and most of all ... no excuses,” Ross said.
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BlancheKBruce 2 years ago
The food there is terrible. The last time I was there the service was bad too.
chrisrodney 2 years ago
What a shame.
I'm from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and have been trying to figure out a reason to go to Oklahoma, with the "Main Event" being my visit (or visits?) to J.R.'s Bar-B-Q.
I feel like I can smell and taste it from my desk in Toronto RIGHT NOW.
The great thing about this is, as J.R. says, the exponential potential of his online business and grocery store sales.
I wish the best to J.R., his family, and his employees. I guess I'll have to order some of his BBQ sauce online, though my Bar-B-Qing skills are suspect at best. :)
DylanC94 2 years ago
Why don't they open up another Raising Caine's franchise?!?!?! It's time to share the love. Not to mention, the new Jack in the Box is freakin' sweet!