A longtime favorite Philadelphia BBQ spot in Lansdale is preparing to shut down. After two decades of service, Wister’s BBQ will serve its last meal on August 30. The restaurant is well known for its overnight-smoked briskets and other BBQ offerings.
Beloved Wister’s BBQ to Shut Down Lansdale Location
Wister’s BBQ, originally known as Smoke Daddy’s, has been a landmark restaurant in the Montgomery County neighborhood. The restaurant was founded by Michael C. Wister, and it began its journey as a simple roadside stand and mobile smoker, according to a North Penn Now report.
The brick-and-mortar location at 575 S Broad Street in Lansdale, was established in 2017.
The restaurant owner announced the closure in a social media post. Wister’s BBQ will permanently close on August 30, according to the post.
The North Penn Now, Michael C. Wister passed away at the age of 58 in late 2024. His son, Michael J. Wister, subsequently took over the business and continued operating the restaurant.
In the post, the owner shared that it was a simple decision: “I took over the business after my father passed. I simply feel that it’s time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life.”
The restaurant owner thanked the customers, staff, friends and family, and community for their support over the years.
Community Responses
Following the closure announcement, several longtime customers expressed their disappointment on social media.
One customer wrote, “Your family’s BBQ has always been a staple food in my life. Thanks for all the insanely good meals & wishing you all the best in your future endeavors!”
The owner invited the community and loyal customers to visit the restaurant and have one more meal before its permanent closure.
He also added a note that they don’t want to waste food; hence, “so we’ll be out of many items in the last week. Please don’t wait until the very end to come get food. I think over the last few days we will have very little of what’s left.”
The owner said anyone interested in purchasing restaurant equipment can contact him.
