Franklin Barbecue Caught on Fire

Franklin Barbecue, one of the city’s best and most popular places for smoked meats, caught on fire early this morning. The fire began in the pit room at 5:27 a.m., according to KXAN. and spread to second floor of the East 11th Street building, as well as the back.

The Austin Fire Department put out the flames at 6:05 a.m. They reported that there is smoke damage, but the restaurant is okay. Austin 360 noted:

The room that houses the pits suffered “heavy damage” but firefighters were able to contain the fire, resulting only in smoke damage to the dining room and public portion of the restaurant.

The barbecue spot had planned on being open this morning despite the flash flood watch because of Hurricane Harvey. This post will be updated as more information becomes available. Watch this space for updates.

Update, 8:17 a.m.: The restaurant tweeted that it will be closed, but it isn’t sure when it will reopen. It might be in a couple of weeks.

Update, 11:00 a.m.: AFD said the cause of the fire was an accident due to an ember that flew away from the firepit. It estimates that there is $200,000 worth of structural damage and $150,000 of content damage.

Fox 7 reporter Tania Ortega shared a video of the fire at Franklin Barbecue, where the large flames can be seen.

Nearby neighbor Nickel City is donating $2 from every Old Fashioned sold at the bar this weekend to help pay Franklin Barbecue’s staff. Javelina Bar on Rainey Street is donating money raised from its $2 picadillo queso nachos (made with queso intended for the now-canceled Quesoff) to Franklin Barbecue staffers as well.

James Beard Award-winning pitmaster Aaron Franklin opened Franklin Barbecue as a trailer in 2009. He moved into its current building in 2011.

• Fire damages Franklin Barbecue [Austin 360]
• Franklin Barbecue is on Fire [KXAN]