In a Facebook post today, Eric Gould owner, operator and heart and soul of the popular Shelby Park BBQ joint Smoketown USA, has announced that he will close the restaurant to pursue “other new adventures.”

Gould bought the Civil War-era building at the corner of Logan and Oak Streets  in 2002, and spent four years renovating the building. In May of 2007 Smoketown USA opened, a pioneer in the revitalization of the neighborhood. In his post,  Gould proclaims his restaurant career a success, thanked all his patrons and the media, and says that after the fall bow hunting season (he is an avid sportsman) he has “plans in 2017 that will [include] local events that feature Smoketown USA so you will have plenty of opportunities to get your Smoketown fix.”