Richmond, VA—After 82 years in business, a Richmond fixture and esteemed eatery has permanently closed its doors.
Bill's Barbecue closed all of its stores Sunday, September 16.
The closure was attributed to difficult financial conditions, and the significant cost of upgrading the restaurants.
In 1930, William S. Richardson, Sr. opened the very first Richmond location of Bill's Barbecue on Myers Street. The restaurant remained a popular casual dining destination for hundreds of thousands of Richmonders throughout the twentieth century.
The restaurant was famous for more than its distinctive, delicious barbecue sandwiches: the "peak of flavor" pies and freshly-squeezed limeades solidified Bill's Barbecue as a Richmond tradition and landmark.
At one time, there were more than thirteen locations throughout the metropolitan Richmond area.
The restaurant's owners, The Richardson family, made the following statement about the closing:
"The Richardson family gives our utmost thanks and appreciation to our loyal employees, customers and friends. We thank you for being with us over these past 82 years. May God bless you all, and God bless the United States of America."
Copyright 2012 by Young Broadcasting of Richmond
