Charlotte-area barbecue joint suddenly shuts its doors. ‘We are deeply grateful’
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Famous Dave’s in Pineville, SC closed suddenly with notice given to staff Sunday.
- Closure reason unconfirmed; a former employee claimed the business was sold.
- The Pineville site was Famous Dave’s only South Carolina location as of 2025.
A Charlotte-area barbecue joint is no more after suddenly shutting its doors.
Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que in Fort Mill is officially closed after owner and franchisee Bart Kinzel confirmed Tuesday, Sept. 30, that he put the building up for sale.
“I was able to sell it,” Kinzel told CharlotteFive in an interview. “I want to spend more time with my family. My parents are getting up there (in age), and I’d just like to kind of retire from business. Do something a little different.”
The barbecue joint near Carowinds was listed as “permanently closed” on Google on Monday, Sept. 29, although the designation disappeared the next day. Online ordering was listed as unavailable.
News of the closure was first shared in a public Facebook group about food and dining in Fort Mill, saying employees were notified of the closure on Sunday.
“After 7 incredible years, we will be closing our doors,” a sign taped to the door of the restaurant read. “We are deeply grateful to the people of Fort Mill for your loyalty, friendship and support, throughout the years.”
“Though this chapter is ending, we will always remember the generosity, warmth and spirit of this community,” it continued.
Famous Dave’s menu features traditional barbecue offerings including “award-winning” pork ribs, burnt ends, bone-in wings, roasted chicken and more, according to the restaurant’s website. Side items include coleslaw, mashed potatoes and cornbread muffins.
The Minnesota-based barbecue chain operates locations across 30 states including Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. The Fort Mill location was its sole restaurant in the Carolinas.
So what’s going in that spot next? A fireworks shop, Kinzel said.
“Big Fireworks, it’s called,” he told CharlotteFive, noting the owner has a fireworks warehouse nearby.
Heidi Finley contributed reporting.
Famous Dave’s BBQ
Location: 917 Cabelas Dr #102, Fort Mill, SC 29708 (permanently closed)
Cuisine: Barbecue
Instagram: @famousdavesfortmill
This story was originally published September 30, 2025 at 12:35 PM with the headline "Charlotte-area barbecue joint suddenly shuts its doors. ‘We are deeply grateful’."