Jimmys Barbecue owner confirms closure, pending sale By Sharon Myers The Dispatch Published: Monday, December 29, 2014 at 1:28 p.m. The rumors swirling around Jimmys Barbecue on N.C. Highway 8 South closing have erupted once again, but this time they are true. Terry Harvey, general manager, said Jimmys Barbecue has closed, and the family is in the process of selling the business to an undisclosed buyer — but not Chick-fil-A. He said it was a choice of either a major reinvestment or considering an offer made on the business. I said I was open to any offers, and I got several calls, Harvey said. We have an offer on the table, and the sale is pending, but nothing is finalized. … My options were limited to either spend the money and commit to another 10-plus years or to consider these offers. I am 63 years old, and I dont have that much time. Also, I have no one to take over for me. Terry Harvey is the son of Jimmy Harvey, who owned and operated the restaurant until his death in 2004. Jimmy Harvey was among a group of entrepreneurs who were the pioneers of Lexington-style barbecue and was one of the original participating restaurant owners for the Barbecue Festival in 1984. The senior Harvey started in the barbecue business on Greensboro Street between West Center and West First streets, which the city officially renamed Barbecue Alley. He was one of several men who learned their craft at Warner Stameys restaurant and went on to make careers in barbecue. Jimmy Harvey began his own restaurant in Thomasville and operated it for several years until opening Jimmys Barbecue on Cotton Grove Road in 1970. Stephanie Saintsing Naset, executive director of The Barbecue Festival, said that Jimmys closing will leave a void that will be difficult to fill. Jimmys and the entire Harvey family has been a huge part of the festival, and they will be missed, Naset said. We are grateful for their support over the years. We will get together with the rest of the other (four participating) restaurants and develop a plan for the future. We are always looking to increase the footprint of the festival every year, and we will plan accordingly. Its just so bittersweet to see such a legendary place closing. Terry Harvey said the Harvey family decided to accept the offer from an undisclosed buyer last week. Employees were notified at the end of the day Sunday the restaurant would be closed from then forward. Harvey said one of the main reasons the family considered the offer is because of the age of the building and the cost it would take to renovate the property. Our place was built in 1961, Harvey said. Everyone around us is brand new. The Bojangles is brand new, the McDonalds, the Waffle House, even Whitleys was redone. … Were the dinosaur on this road. Our options were to tear down the building and rebuild with a drive-through and spend close to $500,000 or to sell. I have done as much as I can do. Harvey wants to reiterate he has not sold the property to the Chick-fil-A corporation, but he cannot comment on future plans. I have never spoken to a franchise, and I have never spoken to Chick-fil-A, Harvey said. Whatever the new owner does with the property is his business. He doesnt have to tell me anything. Closing one of Lexingtons iconic barbecue restaurants is a bittersweet feeling for Harvey. He said he is sad to let it go but knows everything has its time. He said he is especially grateful to all of his loyal customers who have supported the business over the years. Everything has to end with someone, Harvey said. Everything changes, and you have to go with the times. … We are very appreciative and thankful for each and every person for their patronage and loyalty, especially for those who have continued since my Mom an Dad were here. the-dispatch/article/20141229/NEWS/312299993/1005/news?Title=Jimmy-s-Barbecue-owner-confirms-closure-pending-sale
Posted on: Wed, 31 Dec 2014 00:54:48 +0000
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