After 65 Years, Harold's Barbecue Shuts its Doors

The last day of service for Harold’s Barbecue will be next Thursday, May 3. The Southside location still open today is the original, and it has remained in business for 65 years, through the closing of two other locations as well as the passing of owner Harold Hembree, Jr. in 2008.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that current owner Billy Branyon is shutting down the restaurant because of the economy. Harold’s Brunswick stew was voted Best of the Big A by AJC staff and readers in February and has been a favorite of Atlantans craving traditional barbecue for decades. However, it seems as if this news won’t come as a shock to Yelpers, who claim that despite the can’t-miss cracklin’ cornbread, Harold’s was on its way out, favored recently only by people who covet the nostalgia factor of the place. Regardless, it’s always sad to see an Atlanta institution close its doors.
· Harold’s Barbecue To Close Next Week [AJC]
[Photo via Yelp]