Houston's Barbecue Inn to serve its final meals after nearly 80 years in business

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A long-standing Houston-area business will open its doors for the last time Saturday.

According to our news partners at the Houston Chronicle, the Barbecue Inn on Crosstimbers in Independence Heights is closing after nearly 80 years in business.

The restaurant's owner is retiring, and he said Saturday night's dinner service will be their last.

Since the announcement, lines have formed outside the restaurant.

ABC13 crews at the scene saw a line wrapped around the building on Saturday morning.

The restaurant's 86-year-old owner told the Chronicle that since the pandemic, it felt like they were "working for nothing," as high prices took a toll.

In a report last year, 88% of Texas restaurant owners said they're now grappling with higher food costs. Labor costs are also on the rise, impacting 66% of operators, while 52% have seen a decrease in customer traffic.

Well-known establishments like Kim Son, Ginger and Fork, This Is It, and Uncle Tony's all closed their doors in the Houston area in the past year.