Coop’s BBQ Closing Its Doors: A New Chapter Begins in Catering and Pop-Up Events

Farewell to a BBQ Legend: Coop’s West Texas BBQ

After nearly 14 years of serving up mouthwatering Texas-style barbecue to San Diego locals and visitors alike, Coop’s West Texas BBQ has announced its heartbreaking closure. For fans of slow-cooked meats and southern hospitality, this news comes as a shock and a disappointment.

Bradrick “Coop” Cooper, a former registered nurse turned pitmaster extraordinaire, ventured into the world of barbecue back in October 2010 when he opened Coop’s West Texas BBQ in Lemon Grove. What started as a modest 26-seat restaurant soon became a beacon for barbecue enthusiasts, drawing in crowds from all corners of San Diego County and beyond.

Coop’s dedication to his craft and commitment to delivering authentic flavors earned him a stellar reputation in the local culinary scene. His pit-smoked brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and savory sides became the stuff of legend, with patrons flocking to Coop’s for a taste of true Texas barbecue.

However, even the most beloved establishments face challenges, and Coop’s was no exception. Earlier this year, Coop turned to the community for support, launching a GoFundMe campaign in a bid to keep the flames alive. Despite the outpouring of love and support from loyal customers, the campaign fell short of its goal, signaling the end of an era for Coop’s West Texas BBQ.

In an emotional post on social media, Coop expressed gratitude to his patrons while acknowledging the difficult decision to close the restaurant. But true to his resilient spirit, Coop sees this not as an end, but as a new beginning. While the doors of Coop’s West Texas BBQ may be closing to the public on Sunday, March 17, 2024, the legacy of its flavors will live on through catering and pop-up events. This announcement is detailed on their website, emphasizing that while the brick-and-mortar location may be bidding farewell, Coop’s will continue to bring their renowned barbecue to fans through these avenues.

As we bid farewell to Coop’s West Texas BBQ, let us not mourn the loss of a restaurant, but celebrate the memories shared over platters of barbecue goodness. From the accolades of Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. to the glowing reviews in TexasMonthly Magazine, Coop’s leaves behind a legacy that will forever be etched in San Diego’s culinary history.

So, as we raise our glasses (and our napkins) to Coop’s West Texas BBQ, let us toast to the memories made, the flavors savored, and the community that rallied behind a barbecue legend. Though the smoke may clear and the pit may grow cold, the spirit of Coop’s will endure, serving as a reminder of the power of passion, perseverance, and, of course, perfectly smoked meats.

If you’re craving one last taste of Coop’s legendary barbecue, be sure to visit before the final service on Sunday, March 17, 2024. And while the restaurant may be closing its doors, the spirit of Coop’s West Texas BBQ will live on in every bite of brisket, in every rib bone licked clean, and in the hearts of barbecue lovers everywhere. Farewell, Coop’s. Your legacy will never be forgotten.

For more information and updates, including details on catering and pop-up events, visit coopsbbq.com.