With the blessing of Bodacious’ founder in Longview, Ruegsegger helped launch the Arlington location in 1991.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Long before Arlington had cowboys, it had cows.
Sliced, chopped, however you like it, you can get it at Bodacious Barbecue.
After 34 years the restaurant will close next week, as soon as it runs out of food.
“It really has been a blessing,” said Bodacious owner Fran Ruegsegger. “There’s nothing negative about this at all.”
With the blessing of Bodacious’ founder in Longview, Ruegsegger helped launch the Arlington location in 1991.
It was a welcome treat, long before Texas’ craft barbecue movement heated up.
When Ruegsegger opened Bodacious 34 years ago, there was nothing like it in the area and what she quickly learned was that customers were hungry. Not for barbecue, but for connection.
“This is home for a lot of our customers,” said Bodacious employee Flora Perez.
“This place is just like home,” said Dyllan Ary, another Bodacious employee.
“You become one whole family when you come here,” said employee Mary Richards.
Employees say, over the years, they’ve grown close with their customers, but nobody knew how close until recently.
Since Ruegsegger announced her lease wasn’t being renewed, customers have come from as far as Colorado and Seattle to eat at Bodacious one more time.
In Texas, good barbecue can be found on every corner, so why go to such great lengths?
“It’s more comforting,” said customer Tim Peach.
“It’s family,” said Tyler Vasquez, a regular for about six years.
“It is like coming and visiting family,” said longtime diner Peter Graves.
Customers say Ruegsegger is irreplaceable.
“That means a lot because they are as dear to me as I am to them,” Ruegsegger said.
Ruegsegger says she’ll miss them all, but her hope is that after serving thousands her customers can serve even more.
“I want them to feel loved and appreciated and want to go out into the world and show that to other people,” she said.
Great food fills your stomach, but great company feeds the soul.