ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – After decades in operation, an Albuquerque barbeque restaurant is saying goodbye. Mr. Powdrell’s Barbeque House officially closed its doors today with a Fourth of July send-off.
“This has been an enriching experience for me…we kind of owed this to the rest of our family, the community family. We kind owe and mom would say you owe gratitude for all that has transpired,” says Joe Powdrell, CEO of Mr. Powdrell’s Barbeque.
The business opened back in 1984 and had multiple locations throughout Albuquerque. The Fourth Street location was the last brick-and-mortar location left, and customers weren’t going to miss out. They started lining up outside the restaurant Thursday, hours before doors opened.
“You get good food, you get a good atmosphere, you get good service and those are the three key things that have kept me coming back,” says Nellie Ward, a customer for more than 20 years.
“I remember coming here with my parents when they opened here, so it’s just kind of memory lane,” says Senator Linda Lopez, (D) Bernalillo.
Customers were coming out to order their favorite meal one last time. “It’s bittersweet why they’re closing but it’s been generations. You see kids, grandkids,” says Clarence Smith, a customer for 60 years.
“I’ll remember their warm hospitality. It was always a wonderful place to visit and then the food was always superb, so you just can’t beat it,” says Donald Fennema, who’s been a customer for more than 40 years.
CEO Joe Powdrell says rising costs and labor were some of the reasons for closing. He says although it’s difficult to say goodbye, he’s grateful for the memories.
“Because we’ve been on a happy note, we’ve been on a happy note. There’s no sadness here, it’s difficult to separate with what’s something you’ve been doing for a long time but it’s joy. It’s joy,” says Powdrell.
Mr. Powdrell’s Barbeque says although it won’t have a physical location, it could still exist in a different form. They say they’re currently exploring catering, special events, and wholesale distribution of their famous barbeque sauce. Mr. Powdrell’s Barbeque says if you’re interested in keeping up with the restaurant their phone number will still be in service.
