Franklin Barbecue Is Back: A Look at Its First Day

Yesterday marked Franklin Barbecue’s triumphant reopening in Austin following a fire in late August, caused by an ember flying away from the pit. Aaron Franklin immediately offered the firefighters brisket, which they tragically could not accept. The restaurant has been closed for repairs, estimated to be around $350,000, since then.

When the reopening was announced for Tuesday, November 21, everyone from the The Austin Fire Department to Lone Star beer sending congratulations. The restaurant also thanked their hardworking crew who made it happen.

The line for the re-opening formed at 2 a.m., with Victor Larisma from Houston who, according to a story on KVUE, finished work in Houston and drove directly to Franklin Barbecue, despite the fact that he’d never tried it before. After being unable to find a flight, Los Angeles pitmaster Ray Ramirez drove in for the reopening, Instagramming the whole trip.

The new Franklin Barbecue isn’t in full force yet. Since pit space is limited, Franklin will be cooking 75 briskets daily instead of 120 and 40 racks of ribs instead of 70. Still, it’s good to have the master back at his home base.

Courtney Pierce

Courtney Pierce

Courtney Pierce

Courtney Pierce/EATX

Courtney Pierce

Courtney Pierce

Courtney Pierce/EATX

Courtney Pierce

Courtney Pierce

Courtney Pierce

The dining room was soon filled

Courtney Pierce

Courtney Pierce/EATX

• All Coverage of Franklin Barbecue [EATX]