Franklin Barbecue's Wall Demolished by Alleged Drunk Driver

For the first time in their history, Franklin Barbecue opened late today: 11:10 A.M. The cause? An out-of-control car slammed into the restaurant this morning, punching a hole directly into the dining room. According to owner Aaron Franklin, the driver fled the scene, but left behind a license plate -- and a can of beer.

reminder!... don't drink and drive.... pic.twitter.com/QlbZrJXHHZ

— Franklin Barbecue (@FranklinBbq) April 15, 2015

General manager Benji Jacobs says the accident happened around five in the morning, when the car careened off of 11th Street, through the chain link fence and into the building itself. No one was hurt, and a neighbor called the police after seeing the driver leave the scene. The police have tracked down the culprit, according to Jacobs, but they cannot share his name at this time.

The patch on the inside wall. [Photo: Meghan McCarron/EATX]

Over 1800 pounds of meat were already cooking on the perpetually mobbed barbecue destination's smokers, leaving the crew scrambling to find a way to open the restaurant. "Luckily, we have lots of metal and welders on staff," Jacobs said. "So we were able to weld a patch and were able to open."

In happier news, Franklin Barbecue was not yet sold out at 2:30 P.M. on a Wednesday.