Dobb’s Famous Bar-B-Que, a beloved Alabama barbecue restaurant with a long history, closed its doors permanently on September 28, 2025, after 115 years of serving the community.
It all began in 1910, when Euell Lee Dobbs Sr. opened the restaurant in Tallassee, Alabama. In 1948, the restaurant moved to Dothan, where it became a staple in the Wiregrass region’s food scene.
For over a century, Dobb’s has been known for its traditional barbecue recipes, including smoked pork and Brunswick stew, a local favorite.
The restaurant was recognized as one of the state’s most iconic barbecue spots, earning a place in the first class of the Alabama Barbecue Hall of Fame in 2015.
A Piece of Alabama Culinary History Lost
Dobb’s was Alabama’s second-oldest barbecue restaurant, surpassed only by Golden Rule Bar-B-Q in Irondale, which opened in 1891.
Owner Art Mayo announced the closure with mixed feelings, expressing gratitude to the many patrons who supported the restaurant over the years.
The closure marks the end of a big chapter in Alabama’s culinary history, especially since family-owned barbecue restaurants like Dobb’s are important cultural landmarks that have been passed down through generations and are known for their authentic pit-cooked barbecue techniques, which are becoming increasingly rare.
This restaurant’s closing also shows a larger challenge facing independent dining spots across the U.S. Rising costs for labor and food ingredients are squeezing restaurant budgets everywhere.
In 2025, studies showed that 87% of restaurants reported higher food prices, and 88% faced increased labor costs.
In Alabama alone, the restaurant industry employs nearly 195,000 people and adds over $17 billion to the state’s economy. Losing historic places like Dobb’s isn’t just about fewer places to eat; it also affects jobs and the local economy.
More Than Just a Restaurant
For the people of Dothan and nearby towns, Dobb’s was more than just a restaurant. It was a community gathering spot where generations shared meals and memories.
The restaurant’s consistency and long history made it a comforting presence in an industry increasingly dominated by large chains and fast-casual eateries.
Many longtime customers now feel the loss deeply, as Dobb’s closing breaks a connection to Alabama’s early 20th-century barbecue traditions.
The impact goes beyond plates of food; it is about preserving a piece of community identity and Southern heritage.
In short, Dobb’s Famous Bar-B-Que was a symbol of Alabama’s barbecue legacy, having survived numerous changes over its 115-year history.
Its closing reminds us not only of shifting economics in the restaurant world but also of how valuable family-owned, authentic culinary establishments are to local culture and history.
The end of Dobb’s means one less place to experience authentic, traditional Alabama barbecue, making this closure a significant moment for both food lovers and the region’s heritage.