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Iconic BBQ restaurant and Texas Roadhouse rival closing after 80 years serving community

AN iconic barbecue joint that has survived economic tides, changing tastes, and a global pandemic, is set to close after 80 years.

The owners of King's Barbecue in Virginia are ready to step away from their family business, although they hope to be back eventually.

The history of King's Barbecue goes back decades, and the Keeler family has stated that deciding to close after so many years is exceptionally difficult.

Customers were shocked to find out that doors will be closing on June 17.

"It is with a heavy heart to announce that we are stepping away from the restaurant business for an undetermined amount of time," the barbecue joint's owners posted on social media.

Hundreds of people expressed their heartbreak and thanked the family for their years of great food service.

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"So saddened to see this news," one person commented. "Kings has been a family tradition for our family as long as I can remember. We will miss you!!!!

Others offered suggestions on ways to keep the small business going.

"I am sorry to hear this, please show someone your secret recipes and teach them how to take over your wonderful bbq business. Then enjoy retirement, well deserved!" they encouraged.

While the news disappointed many, there was a glimmer of hope offered to loyal diners.

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"Just know this is not goodbye. This is not the end. We will see you again in our next chapter," the message concluded.

Alicia Keeler, the restaurant founder's granddaughter, currently operated the business with her husband, Matt Keeler.

The couple has admitted that recent years of business ownership have left them feeling physically and emotionally drained.

"You fight that. You want to go on. But you know, your body just can't do it," Matt Keeler said.

Keeler admitted that he's worked 80-plus hour weeks at the dining spot, and has done just about every job on the books.

"It really is not that we don't want to do the restaurant anymore. It's more of our, our body and our minds don't want to keep going."

His wife agreed that the time has come to close up shop and get some rest.

"I see Matt come home after working from like, 4:30 in the morning until nine at night and I see him suffering," she said.

"He's doing it all for me and to keep this place going and you know, it's not fair to him."

The Keelers said that they want to hang on to the restaurant and "keep it in the family," but unfortunately there is no fourth generation to pass it on to.

"Think of this as like an extended vacation for us," Alicia Keeler said.

"We have to lock the door in order to take a break."

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The owners said they had no plans of selling the business or the building, and plan to continue selling their famous barbecue sauce online.

"In some capacity, we will be back," they assured.

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