Johnson County BBQ closing after 32 years, blames price increases, lack of workers

Update: Read more about fans mourning the loss of Smokin’ Joe’s in this story.

Olathe’s Smokin’ Joe’s Bar-B-Q is closing after 32 years of operations.

On the restaurant’s Facebook page, owner Rhonda Lorenz said: “After a lot of thought, prayers, trials and tribulations I have to let everyone know Smokin’ Joe’s BBQ is closing. … With continuous price increases on everything, a shortage of employees and repairs I can no longer keep the doors open.”

She couldn’t be reached immediately Wednesday for comment.

Fans reacted to the closing notice by posting such comments as:

“Thank you for sooooo much great BBQ over so many years-including catering our wedding. Your restaurant will be greatly missed!!”

And: “It saddens me to hear this, Rhonda worked hard to keep her business going. She’s one of the nicest ladies I know. Rhonda not only ran a good business, but she is a very charitable person. She heard one of her employees needed a bed to sleep in and she bought the employee a new bed. When my house burnt to a shell Rhonda gave me dinner for two for two months.”

Smokin’ Joe’s Bar-B-Q, 519 E. Santa Fe St., opened in 1989.

It plans to have a sale on smoked meats, coleslaw, beans and made-from-scratch sauce from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

“I want to thank everyone for your support & business throughout the years and you will all be greatly missed,” Lorenz said in the post.

This story was originally published July 14, 2021 at 9:40 AM.