A popular Central Texas barbecue restaurant is preparing to serve its final customers after nearly a decade in business. The Pflugerville favorite has built a loyal following for its smoked meats and creative sandwiches, but rising costs and other challenges have made continuing increasingly difficult.
Restaurant will close at the end of August
Brotherton’s Black Iron Barbecue announced it would permanently close its only location at 15608 Spring Hill Lane in Pflugerville on Sunday, August 30, 2026. The restaurant announced the closure earlier this month, thanking customers for supporting the business throughout its nine-year run.
The restaurant opened in 2017 and became known for traditional Central Texas-style barbecue alongside inventive dishes that combined smoked meats with other culinary influences.
Its menu has included brisket, ribs, turkey, house-made sausage, pulled pork and brisket boudin, as well as signature sandwiches such as the Texas Reuben and Texas Banh Mi.
Rising beef prices take a toll
The restaurant’s owners cited several factors behind the difficult decision, including the current economy and what they described as the “outrageous cost of beef.” Rising beef prices have become a particularly significant challenge for barbecue restaurants because meat is at the center of their menus. (Even major meat producers have laid off thousands this year due to beef prices.)
Brotherton’s had already been struggling financially and appealed to customers for support earlier this year. Despite increased business and strong community support, the restaurant ultimately determined that remaining open was no longer sustainable.
Parking problems at its shopping-center location also contributed to the difficulties.
A celebrated barbecue legacy comes to an end
Brotherton’s earned national recognition when it was included on Texas Monthly’s 2021 Top 50 BBQ Joints list. Founder and pitmaster John Brotherton died in 2024, but his family and staff continued operating the restaurant for another two and a half years.
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