News Summary
Country Tavern Barbecue in Shreveport is set to reopen after a lengthy closure of over four years due to renovations, supply chain issues, and safety inspections. The community is enthused for the return of this beloved establishment, known for its tender ribs and brisket. The restaurant’s owner faced multiple challenges, including an attempted arson and significant repairs after extreme weather. With only minor inspections left, preparations for reopening are underway, rekindling hope for local barbecue lovers.
Shreveport Welcomes Back Country Tavern Barbecue After Extended Closure
Country Tavern Barbecue, a beloved eatery located at 823 Brook Hollow Dr. in Shreveport, Louisiana, is set to reopen its doors after being closed for over four years due to a series of renovation challenges. The anticipated reopening is expected by the end of 2025, and the community is eager to welcome back one of its most cherished dining establishments.
The restaurant initially closed due to various significant issues, including an attempted arson in 2020 and a destructive water line break during the severe winter weather event termed “Snowmaggedon” in 2021. Following these incidents, owner Toby Pilgrim faced multiple hurdles in moving forward with renovations, primarily due to having to change contractors.
Delays worsened amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted supply chains and led to rising material costs. Compounding these difficulties, city inspections revealed that some prior work conducted on the premises did not meet building codes, necessitating additional repairs before being approved to reopen.
Currently, crews are actively working on the rehabilitation of the space, with only a final building and plumbing inspection needed for the reopening. The only remaining inspections required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy are related to HVAC and fire safety systems. According to Rhonda Moore of the city’s Division of Permits & Inspections, only a few minor tasks remain before declaring the restaurant ready for patrons once again.
Community Excitement Builds
The excitement surrounding Country Tavern Barbecue’s reopening has been palpable among local fans. On May 20, 2025, Toby Pilgrim announced via social media that the opening of the restaurant would occur “soon.” Shortly thereafter, on May 30, the restaurant began accepting job applications for various positions, signaling that preparations for reopening were well underway. The new general manager expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming opening, further inflating community anticipation.
Country Tavern Barbecue is not only significant to Shreveport; it is also one of two establishments owned by Pilgrim, the other being a longstanding location in Kilgore, Texas, which has been in business since 1939. The Kilgore location has garnered considerable acclaim, having been featured in Texas Monthly magazine, highlighting its ribs and brisket. In 2008, this Texas location was recognized as one of the “best” barbecue restaurants in the state, a testament to its enduring quality and popularity. Moreover, the Shreveport location received accolades from the Wall Street Journal, recognizing it as one of the nation’s top barbecue joints, increasing expectations for its return.
Fan-Favorite Menu Items
Both the in-house experience and the menu offerings at Country Tavern Barbecue are poised to delight its patrons once more. Previous customer favorites include tender ribs, savory brisket, crispy fried pickles, and creamy au gratin potatoes. As the restaurant prepares to resume operations, there is a strong belief that its reopening will reignite the love for these popular dishes.
Conclusion
As the renovation process concludes with only minor tasks left, the Shreveport community remains optimistic about the future of Country Tavern Barbecue. The reopening is not just a return of a restaurant; it signifies resilience and revitalization for the local dining scene. With the promise of delectable barbecue once again available on the menu, the restaurant’s long-awaited return is set to become a momentous occasion for both residents and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Country Tavern BBQ Almost Legal to Open
- KTAL News: Suspect Arrested in Country Tavern BBQ Arson
- Shreveport Times: 6 Barbecue Restaurants to Try
- K945: Country Tavern Shreveport Announces Reopening is Near
- KSLA: Beloved Noble Savage Tavern Reopens
- Wikipedia: Barbecue
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
