Pat’s Rib Place To Temporarily Close In Waukesha

WAUKESHA, WI— A Waukesha barbeque favorite is temporarily closing due to staff shortages.

Pat's Rib Place, located at 151 E. Sunset Drive, announced on Thursday it will be closing the Waukesha location as of Sunday, according to a Facebook post.

The restaurant first opened in 2009, with a focus on Southern-style barbecue as a tribute to the owner, Alisha Hayes’ mother, Pat, and her Southern cooking style. Hayes owns the restaurant along with her husband Ty Hayes

The restaurant has earned praise for its Southern-style food and atmosphere.

Pat's meats are smoked daily and often served with homemade sauces, which the restaurant also sells by the jar. Oprah's 2020 Favorite Things List included items from the Waukesha restaurant. Hayes is Oprah’s niece.

“Because we value good service and hospitality, we will be CLOSING (as of Sunday 10/17) at the Waukesha location until we’re adequately staffed. You can still call in for catering orders. Appointments only. YOU CAN ALSO STILL COME AND SEE US AT PAT’S RIB PLACE, MKE GRAND OPENING ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON," the post said.

In April the restaurant announced it was coming to the Milwaukee Public Market, located at 400 N. Water St.

The news was met with a mix of disappointment and support from fellow patrons on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

Several users commented that they hoped the Waukesha location will reopen soon. A few remarked they didn’t want to drive 30 minutes to Milwaukee.

One user kept things in perspective with a comment about the closing only being temporary. The person said while the news stinks, they can’t wait for the Milwaukee location to open.