Big Barlow's BBQ In Barnegat Closing Due To Meat Prices, Staff Shortage

BARNEGAT, NJ — Big Barlow's BBQ & Catering in Barnegat will be closing its doors this week.

The restaurant evolved from a food truck and has become a popular destination for craft barbecue in Ocean County over the past two years.

Owner Chris Barlow announced the restaurant’s closure Wednesday on social media.

“We regret to inform everyone that once we run out of food this week we will be closing our doors to the restaurant,” Barlow said. “Due to the influx in meat prices and shortages on staff we have no control over this. We have lost far too much money over the last 7 months to make a comeback.”

"We will however offer catering and get back to being mobile over time," he added. "We appreciate every single one of y'all, and this is not goodbye, just a new beginning!"

Big Barlow's BBQ & Catering had been operating a brick-and-mortar location in Barnegat for the past two and a half years.

One year ago the restaurant announced its plans to move into its current location at 34 S. Main St., with more seating and space for events and live music.

The restaurant previously evolved from a food truck that Barlow founded in 2018 at Manafirkin Brewing Company.

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