Sorry barbecue lovers in the Heights, Greg Gatlin's eponymous smoked meat mecca at 1221 W. 19th has closed, reports Houston Chronicle. After closing Saturday, February 7th, Gatlin's BBQ released the following statement on its website:



Due to the real estate development along the 19th Street corridor, Gatlin’s BBQ will temporarily move to a mobile service unit at 1717 W. 22nd Street starting the second week of March. All reserved catering events will be honored and we'll continue booking for events both large and small during this period. Please continue to follow Gatlin’s BBQ right here as well as on Twitter and Facebook. We thank you for your continued support and look forward to serving you with a smile!



Despite Gatlin's lease being up, the family-run restaurant was hopeful that it could make arrangements with the landlord to operate until the end of March, according to the Chronicle. All is not lost. Gatlin plans to reopen in a 4,200 square feet within a newly constructed shopping center on Ella Boulevard. While waiting for the smokehouse to open in May, the pitmaster will go the food truck route. Beginning the second week in March, barbecue lovers can find the mobile kitchen at 1717 W. 22nd.



Gatlin has his plate full for this year with a heaping helping of new projects underway. In addition to a bigger location opening this spring and forthcoming kitchen on wheels, Jackson Street BBQ, Gatlin's second upcoming restaurant is expected to open in the coming weeks. Partnering with Bryan Caswell and Bill Floyd (Reef, El Real and Little Bigs), the trio are bringing slow-cooked meats and seafood to downtown.