Fall River barbecue restaurant closes its doors after 13 years

One of the area's longtime go-to's for barbecue is saying goodbye to Fall River.

The owners of Ed's Famous BBQ announced they've closed their Brayton Avenue business after 13 years, as the couple embark on the next chapter of their lives — retirement.

In a Facebook post Wednesday, June 26, Ed Johnson and his wife Jody issued this bittersweet update and expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their loyal customers.

"We thank all of you who have supported us through the years by enjoying our BBQ. It has been an absolute pleasure to serve you!" the post reads. "Having recently turned 67 years old, it is time for us to move on to the next part of our lives."

That next part includes hanging up his apron and "sailing off into the sunset," as the Fall River pair are in the process of making the move to Maine, said Ed Johnson when reached by phone Wednesday.

"It's been a really fun, really interesting 13 years, but it's run its course," Johnson said.

While the city restaurant owner is more than ready to turn the page, he admits "it does pull at the heartstrings a little bit to move on."

"Barbecue in this area is kind of a cult thing. It's not really overwhelmingly popular so you get a small group of really loyal customers, so it is like leaving your friends behind."

Ed's Famous BBQ first opened its doors in early 2012 at 756 Brayton Ave. Ed Johnson brought with him his recipes for slow-cooked, Southern-style dry rub barbecue that he had perfected for years at his former Chicago home.

Southern hospitality: Ed’s Famous BBQ features Chicago-, Texas-style smoked meats

According to Johnson, a job with an education company brought him to Boston, but he eventually decided to embrace entrepreneurship with a culinary venture in the Spindle City, having experience cooking barbecue as a "side gig" in Chicago.

“I’ve always pretty much been in business. It was kind of a question of what business was I going to do next,” said Johnson in a 2012 Herald News article just after Ed's Famous BBQ opened. “I figured my next business would be one I would retire in, and this seemed like a good one. I love to feed people and see how happy they are when they eat good food."

After living in "barbecue heaven" most of his life, Johnson said he saw a niche that he could fill in this region for those seeking a taste of the South.

“People have been driving all over to get their barbecue fixes and they’re happy we’re here. I think Fall River’s ready for barbecue,” Johnson said in 2012.

Your guide to a BBQ feast: These SouthCoast restaurants are serving up a taste of the South. Check them out.

For those looking to get one last taste of Ed's specialties, such as ribs, pulled pork, chicken or beef brisket, unfortunately, you're out of luck.

The restaurant has already quietly closed up shop. Their last day of business was Father's Day, according to Johnson. A message from the Johnsons on the eatery's answering machine also informs callers of the closure.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Ed's Famous BBQ in Fall River closes as owners announce retirement