Heim Barbecue, a well-known name in Fort Worth’s barbecue scene, has closed its Magnolia Avenue location. The closure marks a significant moment for Fort Worth’s local dining community. While the Magnolia Avenue location has closed, Heim Barbecue continues to operate other North Texas locations and is planning new concepts.
Heim Barbecue Closes Magnolia Avenue Location
The legendary craft smokehouse, Heim Barbecue, has shuttered its Magnolia Avenue location after 10-years journey. The restaurant closed on February 1, 2026, after announcing the decision on social media.
The announcement read, “Our Heim Magnolia location will be closing its doors this Sunday, February 1. We’d love to see you over the next few days, so come grab your favorites, share a few laughs, and say hello one more time”.
Rising costs tied to upgrades and shifting demands in the local barbecue scene were cited as contributing factors. The restaurant team extended its gratitude to the community for shared moments.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Fort Worth, the Magnolia community, and our amazing team for all the memories made here. Thank you for being part of this chapter”.
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Growth From Food Truck to Barbecue Landmark
Travis and Emma Heim are the founders of Heim Barbecue. The concept began with small pop-ups and backyard grilling, which they named T and E MEATclub. The gatherings quickly gained popularity among friends and family. This helped shape the couple’s approach to smoked meats, sides, and hospitality.
Taking a leap of faith, they launched the Heim Barbecue food truck in Fort Worth, running it with a single smoker. Due to word of mouth and long lines, the concept gained traction. This led to a successful crowdfunding campaign that expanded production capacity and helped meet rising demand.
By 2016, the Heim Barbecue had shifted to a brick-and-mortar restaurant on Magnolia Avenue. Its food-truck heritage was carried over to a physical location. The location became a Fort Worth barbecue landmark and served as the foundation for the brand’s expansion across North Texas.
What’s Next
Despite the Magnolia Avenue closure, Heim Barbecue is not leaving North Texas. The brand still maintains its other full-service restaurants, which include:
- 3130 West Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75235
- 5333 White Settlement Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76114
- 1910 S Main St, Weatherford, TX 76086
In addition to its existing restaurants, Heim is introducing another concept: the Heim pig stand. The streamlined, fast-service model will serve pulled pork and chopped beef sandwiches with sides such as coleslaw or potato salad and banana pudding for $15 or less.
This concept will deliver quality barbecue to a larger customer base with fewer staff, according to Chron. Plans and schedules to open the first Pig Stand are expected in March 2026.
The change is an indication of the changing market and increasing prices in the barbecue industry. Although the Magnolia Avenue site has been a constant favorite, the brand’s leadership sees an opportunity to offer a simpler, more accessible way for fans to enjoy their barbecue.
