Detroit's beloved BBQ joint, Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q, is saying goodbye after six decades of serving up mouth-watering ribs and chicken in the North End neighborhood. The iconic eatery announced its final day of business via a handwritten note on its door, setting Sunday, February 8, as the last day for customers to get their fix.
For those who haven't had a chance to experience Parks' legendary BBQ, the restaurant has been family-owned and operated since 1964, with multiple generations passing down the reins. At its peak, the eatery was slinging between 2,500 to 3,000 pounds of ribs per week, earning it a loyal following from diners across the suburbs.
Despite the area's ongoing gentrification, Parks had remained steadfast, with Roderick Parks Sr., the current owner, expressing optimism in 2014 that the North End would bounce back. "The neighborhood has changed tremendously," he noted at the time, "but I'm confident it will survive and prosper." However, foot traffic has dwindled in recent times, and Roderick Parks Jr. revealed that his father is facing health issues.
To give customers one last taste of the old-school BBQ joint's magic, Parks is now accepting walk-in orders until its closure. When asked about the restaurant's final days, a handwritten note on the door offered no further explanation, simply stating "Thank you for your support." The address of 7444 Beaubien St., Detroit (parksoldstylebar-b-q.com) will soon be vacant, leaving behind memories of delicious meals and cherished moments.
Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q's demise marks a loss for the city's culinary landscape. Its closure comes as a reminder that even in beloved institutions like this, time has a way of catching up with everyone. As the North End continues to evolve, Detroiters will have to find new ways to satisfy their BBQ cravings.
For those who haven't had a chance to experience Parks' legendary BBQ, the restaurant has been family-owned and operated since 1964, with multiple generations passing down the reins. At its peak, the eatery was slinging between 2,500 to 3,000 pounds of ribs per week, earning it a loyal following from diners across the suburbs.
Despite the area's ongoing gentrification, Parks had remained steadfast, with Roderick Parks Sr., the current owner, expressing optimism in 2014 that the North End would bounce back. "The neighborhood has changed tremendously," he noted at the time, "but I'm confident it will survive and prosper." However, foot traffic has dwindled in recent times, and Roderick Parks Jr. revealed that his father is facing health issues.
To give customers one last taste of the old-school BBQ joint's magic, Parks is now accepting walk-in orders until its closure. When asked about the restaurant's final days, a handwritten note on the door offered no further explanation, simply stating "Thank you for your support." The address of 7444 Beaubien St., Detroit (parksoldstylebar-b-q.com) will soon be vacant, leaving behind memories of delicious meals and cherished moments.
Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q's demise marks a loss for the city's culinary landscape. Its closure comes as a reminder that even in beloved institutions like this, time has a way of catching up with everyone. As the North End continues to evolve, Detroiters will have to find new ways to satisfy their BBQ cravings.
I'm sad to see Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q go. 60+ years is a huge deal, and it's crazy that they had to close down like this. The fact that the owner just put up a handwritten note on the door with no explanation is really cool. It shows how much respect he has for his customers. 
I've been to BBQ joints before where you feel like you're leaving a piece of your heart behind, and it's true for Parks too. Their ribs are legendary, and now I'll have to try to find new spots to satisfy my cravings. 
after 60+ years of serving the best 'cue in the city! It's crazy to think that this iconic spot was slinging 2,500-3,000 pounds of ribs a week back in its prime. I mean, Roderick Parks Sr.'s optimism about the North End bouncing back in 2014 kinda rings true, but it's clear that gentrification has taken its toll on the neighborhood 
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. The North End will have to find new BBQ joints to love, but it's hard to imagine anyone filling the shoes of this legendary eatery. Time really does catch up with us all 
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. Detroit's been trying to revitalize neighborhoods and bring in new development, but sometimes that means pushing out the old guard and leaving room for new ideas 
. It's not all bad news though - it's an opportunity for Parks' kids or a new owner to revamp the spot and make it their own 
. The city needs more BBQ joints like this one, so fingers crossed someone sees an opportunity in this closure 
... Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q has been a staple in Detroit's food scene for ages! 
They've been serving up that perfect blend of sweet and tangy BBQ sauce for generations 
. I'm so sad to see it go 
to a much slower pace these days 
. My fave spot to get ribs was here 
and now it's gone? 
. It's time to say goodbye to an institution, but I'm sure the memories will live on 
. RIP Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q 
I know they're trying to keep it simple, but come on, give us some closure! Maybe they could've at least posted about it online or something... I mean, I'm sure most people found out about the closure through social media anyway 
. Anyway, I hope Roderick Parks Jr. gets the help he needs with his dad's health issues 
. RIP Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q - you'll be deeply missed in Detroit 
️ It's sad to think the North End neighborhood won't have that iconic spot around anymore. The fact that it was family-owned and operated for 6 decades is truly heartwarming 
, but health issues can be tough on business owners. On the bright side, Roderick Parks Sr.'s optimism about the area bouncing back in 2014 seems to have been a nice try! 
The fact that it's been a family-owned spot since 1964 makes it even more special - you can feel the love and tradition in every bite 
But now, Detroiters will have to find a new BBQ spot to obsess over 
. I mean, the fact that they're still gettin' that many pounds of ribs per week at their peak says somethin'. But then again, sometimes you gotta know when to fold 'em... I guess what I'm sayin' is, just 'cause things are slow don't mean it's time to shut down. My pops used to say, "when the going gets tough, the tough get goin'"... but in all seriousness, it's a reminder that even with the best of intentions and a loyal following, things can still change. Guess you gotta stay adaptable and be willin' to pivot 
. Still sad to see Parks go though...
... I mean, it's not surprising that iconic places like Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q can disappear after 60+ years, but it still feels like a loss for the city 
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. Guess that's just how it goes sometimes... places come and go, but the memories stay