Luther’s BBQ was a beloved Texas-style barbecue restaurant in Midtown Atlanta that unfortunately closed its doors in 2022 after over 20 years of serving up smokey brisket, ribs, and more. Here is a deep dive into the history of Luther’s BBQ and the story of what led to its closure.
A Bit of History on Luther’s BBQ
Luther’s BBQ first opened in 1999 and was founded by Robert Danhi, Joe Schafer, and Don Black. Danhi and Schafer learned how to smoke brisket during their college years in Texas and brought their barbecue knowledge to Atlanta.
The original Luther’s BBQ location was on Howell Mill Road in Atlanta. The interior had a funky, eclectic vibe with license plates and posters covering the walls. The restaurant quickly gained a following for serving up moist brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, sausage, and more.
Over the years, Luther’s grew from a small joint to a local barbecue chain, expanding to two more locations in Decatur and Lawrenceville. They developed a cult-like following, with customers routinely waiting over an hour on weekends for their fix of brisket and baked beans.
The Decline and Eventual Closure of Luther’s BBQ
In 2015, Luther’s BBQ was acquired by Fox Bros. BBQ, another popular Atlanta barbecue establishment. This acquisition was friendly at first, but over time, relations deteriorated between Luther’s BBQ leadership and Fox Bros.
There were disagreements on menu direction, quality control, and operational styles between the Luther’s and Fox Bros. teams. In early 2020, Fox Bros ultimately decided to cease operations at all three Luther’s BBQ locations.
The original Howell Mill Road location closed unceremoniously in February 2020. The Decatur location followed shortly after in March 2020. The Lawrenceville location managed to stay open for takeout for a few more months during the Covid-19 pandemic but eventually closed for good in August 2020.
Why the Luther’s Brand Declined Under Fox Bros. Ownership
There are a few key reasons why Luther’s BBQ struggled under Fox Bros. ownership and ultimately shut down all three locations:
- Menu changes – Fox Bros. made incremental changes to the Luther’s menu and bbq preparation style that purist customers were unhappy with. The barbecue didn’t taste quite the same.
- Quality control issues – Many customers complained that the brisket got drier and ribs became inconsistent after Fox Bros. took over operations.
- Loss of brand identity – Long-time Luther’s BBQ fans felt the brand lost some of its quirky charm and Texas roots when acquired by Fox Bros.
- Leadership conflicts – There were disagreements between past Luther’s management and new leadership on operational styles. The Fox Bros. management team didn’t see eye-to-eye with Luther’s BBQ staff.
- Real estate costs – The prime real estate locations of Luther’s BBQ were expensive for Fox Bros. to maintain as a new owner. Raising menu prices was likely seen as risky.
In the end, the acquisition of an established brand like Luther’s proved difficult for Fox Bros. to execute properly. They were not able to maintain the same barbecue standards and Austin-inspired ambiance that fans had come to know and love.
Legacy of Luther’s BBQ in Atlanta
While Luther’s BBQ is gone, it leaves behind a storied 24-year legacy in the Atlanta barbecue scene. For over two decades, it served as a go-to spot for tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, jalapeño sausage, and classic sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad.
Many Atlantans have fond memories of first dates, weekend hangouts, college football watch parties, and festive meals at the funky Howell Mill Road location. Luther’s also helped kickstart the city’s barbecue craze that now includes dozens of acclaimed smoked meat joints.
Robert Danhi and Joe Schafer, two of the Luther’s founders, have moved on to open up their newest restaurant called Middleground BBQ in West Midtown. They are bringing back Brunswick stew, smoked turkey, and other signature Luther’s menu items.
So while the original Luther’s is closed, its legacy remains through the BBQ connoisseurs it inspired and the new ventures it spurred like Fox Bros. and Middleground BBQ. Luther’s helped teach Atlanta how to properly appreciate tender brisket alongside a cold beer.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Closure of Luther’s BBQ
Here are some common questions people have about the shutdown of the iconic Luther’s BBQ restaurants:
When did the original Luther’s BBQ on Howell Mill Road close?
The original Luther’s BBQ location on Howell Mill Road in Atlanta closed in February 2020. This was the first location to shut down.
Are there any Luther’s BBQ locations still open?
No, all three Luther’s BBQ locations are permanently closed as of August 2020. There are no current plans to reopen Luther’s restaurants.
What new restaurant did the Luther’s founders open?
Two of the original Luther’s founders, Robert Danhi and Joe Schafer, opened a new barbecue restaurant called Middleground BBQ in West Midtown Atlanta in 2022.
Why did Fox Bros. ultimately close all the Luther’s locations?
Fox Bros. cited reasons like quality control issues, menu disagreements, high real estate costs, and overall brand identity challenges for deciding to close all three Luther’s BBQ locations in 2020.
Where can I get brisket and ribs similar to Luther’s old recipes?
Middleground BBQ will likely come closest with involvement from Luther’s original founders. Other top Atlanta brisket spots include Fox Bros., Heirloom Market BBQ, and Three Little Pigs.
What was the original Luther’s BBQ address on Howell Mill?
The original Luther’s BBQ was located at 1819 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. The building is still there but is currently vacant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Luther’s BBQ was a staple of the Atlanta barbecue scene for over 20 years but unfortunately closed all locations in 2020 after acquisition by Fox Bros. Menu changes, quality control issues, and brand identity challenges led to its decline under new ownership. While the original Luther’s is gone, its legacy lives on through the bartenders, waiters, cooks, and customers that passed through its quirky doors. Its founders now carry the torch with the opening of Middleground BBQ. Luther’s helped paved the way for future smoked meat fanaticism across the city.