Wakefield Pitstop BBQ To Close Sunday

WAKEFIELD, MA — Pitstop BBQ in Wakefield has entered its final week of operations as it plans to close its doors for good this weekend, owner Rostislav Penek announced on Tuesday.

Penek took to Facebook Live to share the update, saying that the restaurant is shutting down as he and his family plan to move out of the area.

“It is pleasurable, to an extent that we achieved such a status in the community and as a business and what not,” he said. “But at the same time, it is time to turn the page and move onto better, bigger things.”

Pitstop BBQ opened 10.5 years ago, serving a mix of barbecue options from its location on Vernon Street in Wakefield. The restaurant has won a loyal following in the years since, prompting an outpouring of support following Penek’s announcement on Tuesday.

The pending Pitstop closure comes as another loss in the local dining scene, which said goodbye to the Reading-based Green Tomato last month.

As some destinations close, though, BBQ diners in Wakefield do have a new option in the form of Floramo’s Wakefield, which has taken over the kitchen at Dockside Wakefield on Main Street.

Back at Pitstop, Penek on Tuesday invited diners to visit during the restaurant's upcoming final days of service. Come Sunday, he said, Pitstop will do away with its usual menu to host “something special.”

He said the restaurant will announce details on Sunday plans soon.

See Pitstop’s hours and current menu here.