End of an Era: Fort Lauderdale BBQ Staple Closing After Nearly 40 Years
After nearly 40 years of serving up smoky ribs, tender brisket, and soul-warming sides, Tom Jenkins’ Bar-B-Q is closing its doors for good on December 21.
The beloved Fort Lauderdale restaurant has been a local institution since the 1980s, feeding generations of families and becoming a household name for anyone craving authentic Southern barbecue. As word of the closure spreads, longtime customers are lining up for one last taste of the legendary flavors that made this humble smokehouse a community treasure.
How Tom Jenkins’ Bar-B-Q Became a Fort Lauderdale Legend
Tom Jenkins started something special decades ago when he first fired up his smoker and brought authentic Southern barbecue to Fort Lauderdale. His commitment to slow-smoked meats and homemade sides quickly earned him a devoted following. Word spread fast about the tender ribs falling off the bone and the brisket that melted in your mouth.
Families began making Tom Jenkins’ a weekly tradition, and the restaurant became woven into the fabric of the community. Customers didn’t just come for the food—they came for the warm atmosphere and the feeling of eating at a family gathering.
Over 36 years, Tom Jenkins’ Bar-B-Q earned its reputation as a household name across South Florida. Reviews consistently praised the restaurant as having the best BBQ in the region. That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident—it comes from decades of consistency, quality, and genuine care for every customer who walked through the door.
From Roadside Trailer to Smokehouse Institution
Long before the brick-and-mortar location at 1236 Federal Highway, Tom Jenkins’ Bar-B-Q started as a humble roadside trailer. Gary, Tom’s nephew, originally operated the business from this small mobile setup, serving hungry customers right from the street. The trailer might have been tiny, but the flavors were massive, and locals couldn’t get enough.
As demand grew, the Jenkins family knew they needed more space to serve their expanding customer base. The transition from trailer to permanent restaurant marked a major milestone, but the family never forgot their roots. They kept the same recipes, the same smoking techniques, and the same dedication to quality that made people fall in love with their barbecue in the first place.
The rustic, woodsy atmosphere of the current restaurant still reflects those early trailer days—simple, honest, and focused entirely on great food. Even with picnic-style tables and limited indoor seating, the restaurant maintained that casual, down-home feeling.
What Made Tom Jenkins’ Barbecue So Special
The secret to Tom Jenkins’ success wasn’t just one thing—it was everything working together perfectly. The slow-smoked ribs earned legendary status, with customers driving from all over South Florida just to taste them. The brisket came out tender and flavorful, while the chopped pork and BBQ chicken rounded out a menu that satisfied every craving.
But barbecue restaurants live or die by their sides, and Tom Jenkins’ understood this completely. Fresh collard greens cooked just right, creamy potato salad, tangy coleslaw with a pickle kick, baked beans with a hint of spice, and mac and cheese with a golden crust—these weren’t afterthoughts. They were carefully crafted dishes that complemented the smoky meats beautifully.
Generous portions at reasonable prices ($10-20) made the restaurant accessible to everyone. Customers frequently mentioned the value they received, getting plates piled high with quality food.
A Community Hub: Faith, Family, and Fort Lauderdale Roots
Tom Jenkins’ Bar-B-Q became much more than a place to grab lunch—it transformed into a genuine community gathering spot. Families celebrated birthdays there, friends met up for casual dinners, and neighbors bumped into each other over plates of ribs. The restaurant’s small size, with only 7-8 picnic tables inside, actually brought people closer together rather than keeping them apart.
Customer reviews consistently mentioned the kind people and great service, showing that the Jenkins family created a culture of warmth and hospitality. Staff treated regulars like old friends and welcomed newcomers with the same genuine care. This personal touch made people feel valued, not just like another transaction.
Faith and family values clearly guided how the restaurant operated, with Sunday closures giving staff time for rest and worship. The business stayed rooted in Fort Lauderdale through decades of change in the city. While other restaurants came and went, Tom Jenkins’ remained steady, becoming a reliable constant that people could count on for good food and friendly faces year after year.
Why Tom Jenkins’ Is Closing After 36 Years
Running a restaurant for nearly four decades takes incredible dedication, and every business eventually faces difficult decisions. While the specific reasons for Tom Jenkins’ closure haven’t been publicly detailed, operating a successful restaurant requires constant energy, long hours, and significant physical demands. After 36 years of early mornings tending smokers and late nights cleaning up, retirement becomes an earned reward rather than a surrender.
The restaurant industry has changed dramatically since the 1980s, with rising costs for ingredients, labor, and rent making small family operations increasingly challenging. Competition from chain restaurants and changing customer habits through food delivery apps have reshaped the landscape.
Family businesses also face succession challenges when younger generations pursue different career paths. Without someone ready to take over and continue the legacy with the same passion, closing becomes the most honorable choice.
Locals React: Long Lines, Big Emotions, and Last Goodbyes
News of the closure hit the Fort Lauderdale community like a punch to the gut. Social media exploded with memories, photos, and heartfelt tributes from customers sharing their favorite Tom Jenkins’ moments. People who hadn’t visited in years suddenly felt an urgent need to return one more time.
The emotional response shows just how deeply Tom Jenkins’ Bar-B-Q touched people’s lives. Some customers grew up eating there with their parents and now bring their own children. Others remembered first dates, job celebrations, or comfort meals during tough times—all centered around those smoky ribs and homestyle sides.
How to Get One Last Taste Before the Doors Close on December 21
Time is running out to experience Tom Jenkins’ Bar-B-Q before it closes forever on December 21. They’re currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM, with Sundays and Mondays closed.
Expect crowds during these final days, especially during lunch and dinner rushes. Arriving early when they open at 11 AM gives you the best chance of shorter waits. Since indoor seating is extremely limited with just 7-8 picnic tables, plan on takeout being your best option for avoiding the rush.
Order the classics that made Tom Jenkins’ famous: the spare ribs that customers rave about, tender brisket, BBQ chicken, and don’t skip the sides like collard greens, potato salad, and baked beans. A two-meat plate lets you sample multiple favorites.
Visit their website at tomjenkinsbbq.net for menu details, and make your plans soon—December 21 will arrive faster than you think.
