Milton staple Grover T's BBQ Restaurant announces permanent closure

Grover T’s BBQ, Milton’s Southern-inspired barbecue restaurant, has closed its doors permanently after over a decade of service.

While the family-centered restaurant first opened its doors in 2013, it was purchased by local Brandon Saucier less than a year ago to try to “revive” the restaurant.

“Eight months ago, Grover T’s was purchased by a local family with a dream and a mission; to revive the restaurant and restore a tiny piece of culture for the community. We put on Bike Night, Trivia, Trunk or Treat, Bingo, Santa Meet & Greet, Brunch, and even more. Many of you met the entire family, as long days required our kids to call it home too sometimes,” the Grover T's BBQ Facebook statement read. “Unfortunately, in this industry, heart alone isn’t what keeps the doors open.”

In a Facebook post made by the restaurant in September, there were big plans ahead for the restaurant’s growth.

“There’s many reasons why a restaurant changes ownership, but at the center of this particular turnover, is just another local family with passion for the industry, and drive for success. Grover Ts BBQ was purchased by Brandon Saucier, who has grand plans for the revitalization of the business,” the statement read. “After purchasing Saucy’s, he committed to the community by improving service, atmosphere and outreach. Grover Ts BBQ is now headed for the same path, and has a lot in store for the road ahead.”

In the Grover T’s closure announcement, patrons were encouraged to comment their favorite memories of the restaurant, and it generated a comment thread of over 250 people who did exactly that. Stories of weekly returning customers, 86th birthday celebrations and wedding party dinners flooded the comment station. Milestones that gave Grover T's the reputation as a place that served its community.

While the restaurant was best-known for its barbecue, the menu grew to be much more than that, from the golden fried catfish sandwiches to the New Orleans style po'boys on Gambino’s French bread. Their specialties included the slow-smoked pork, chicken, beef, turkey and St. Louis style ribs. Some items, like the onion rings, will live on through the owners’ other restaurant, Saucy’s Frozen Treats & Tasty Eats, that also carry them.

Grover T’s expressed appreciation for those that supported them, including the staff for “showing up every day.”

“There have been so many friends, family and locals who have rode this journey with us and we couldn’t be more grateful. The team welcomed us in and after eight short months, they became our family too - we can’t thank them enough for showing up every day and giving it their all to help us bring it back. We’re very lucky for the time 5887 US90 could afford us," Grover T's released in a Facebook statement.

For more information, visit the Grover T’s BBQ Restaurant Facebook page.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Grover T's BBQ closes Milton restaurant