Family closes BBQ restaurant after 3 decades in metro Phoenix: 'Say goodbye to Superman'
Tom's BBQ, located at the corner of Country Club Drive and Southern Avenue in Mesa, closed on Friday, Aug. 11.
The family-owned restaurant first opened this location in 1988, serving barbeque, hot dogs and Italian beef. On Aug. 10, owner Rick Pawlak posted a video on Facebook announcing his intent to consolidate this location with their East Mesa restaurant on McKellips Road.
"We just wanted to thank our customers that have been coming here year, year, year after year. It's just overwhelming when I start thinking about it," Pawlak said.
He cited the economy and labor shortage as reasons for his decision before proceeding to give a final tour of the historic restaurant. "Just because this place has so much memorabilia. Let's say goodbye to Superman here," he said, pointing to the women's bathroom door with a phone booth telephone attached to the door and a full-size cartoon Superman.
End of an era, but far from the end of Tom's BBQ
Pawlak ended the video hinting at a new concept he has in the works, a promise to keep fans updated and another expression of gratitude. "I wanted to say thank you so much for all the years."
Marla Goldman Hackett commented: "Oh wow! I had been going there since 1999. I will miss it, but I have actually moved closer to the McKellips location so as long as you stay open there, I will survive. Thanks for providing me and my family with some wonderful meals!"
Tom's BBQ in Tempe, Chandler, East Mesa and their food truck Tom's Pig Rig will remain open.
Details: tomsbbq.com.
July closings: These metro Phoenix restaurants and bars closed in July — 1 after 40 years
Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on X, formerly Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tom's BBQ closes in metro Phoenix after 3 decades. Why and what's next
