Johnson’s BBQ Shack’s future could be decided by how much business it does in the next 30 days.
Daily Journal file photoA popular Bargersville restaurant once outgrew the shack it started in. Now it’s struggling to keep its doors open.
In June 2021, Johnson’s BBQ Shack leaders announced they were looking at a $5.5 million rebuild that would add rooftop seating to its original location at 82 S. Baldwin Street. The expansion that was going to double dining and kitchen space was expected to begin in 2022, but never got off the ground.
Instead, both Greenwood locations closed in 2022, and struggles at the Bargersville location began to intensify.
Now the Bargersville shack in which it got its brick-and-mortar start is struggling to remain open, said Nate Johnson, owner.
On Dec. 1, Johnson’s BBQ Shack announced on Facebook it would be closed until further notice and organized a GoFundMe titled “Save the shack.” The fundraiser has raised $340.
“We ask for help keeping our doors opened so we can keep bringing ya’ll good BBQ,” The GoFundMe says. “We are a family ran business. We help a lot in the community, donate to veterans and help feed the homeless and other small businesses.”
The following day, Johnson’s BBQ announced it was open and will remain open through December because of “an extension” with the landlord. However, they’re still forced to close their doors three days a week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday due to lack of business. They hope to use the extra days to focus on best business practices and the quality of food, Johnson said.
While the restaurant is closed during the first half of the week, people will be able to rent the restaurant for a private catered lunch or dinner. Catering and the restaurant’s food truck is also available any day of the week. The restaurant is also still taking catering orders for Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, Johnson said.
The restaurant has been behind financially since expanding and closing the two Greenwood locations, Johnson said.
“Bargersville has always been our first location that allowed us to grow. Now I’ve taken the brunt of having to close it, the financial burdens of other locations have been put back on that store. But we’ve just been struggling to make ends meet. I think we’re close to a recovery. We just aren’t there yet … We’re just trying to get the location and everything back home on point.”
The restaurant received a mix of backlash and support in response to the GoFundMe. Some people said they were happy to support the local business, but others criticized the private business for using this avenue to raise money. The responses, both negative and positive, were a surprise to Johnson, he said.
“It’s so hard to ask for help,” Johnson said. “I was just hoping to get out there that we were struggling and maybe we can get the support.”
The ordeal has been nothing short of a “nightmare” for Johnson, his family and the restaurant, he said.
General Manager Sean Collins said he wasn’t expecting the type of response to the GoFundMe and was only trying to “keep the doors open a little bit longer.”
“I’m not the type of person who tried to put something out there that’s not true,” Collins said “I don’t take money from people.”
The post announcing they would be open again said the next 30 days will be crucial to the restaurant’s future.
As of now, the restaurant is expected to be open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday to Sunday this winter.
