The barbecue business announced the news June 5 through its social media accounts, saying that “after much prayer, discussion and reflection,” they made the tough decision.
“What started as a backyard barbecue dream grew into something we never could have imagined,” read a post published June 5 on the Mija Barbecue Facebook page. “From pop-ups and brewery days to opening our own restaurant, you’ve allowed us to serve this community for years, and for that we are deeply grateful.”
Mija Barbecue, a family business run by husband-and-wife duo Ryan and Bailey Siegler, started back in 2019. They started serving folks out of the now-closed Ash and Ember Brewing in Cedar Hill, a community about 16 miles southwest of Dallas. In 2024, the couple moved into their brick-and-mortar at 406 W. Belt Line Rd. They took over a 1938 home and, according to D Magazine, received lots of help from their community in the buildout.
The restaurant does barbecue but focuses on “Texian” cuisine, a combination of Texas ‘cue and Mexican taqueria fare. Their menu features brisket, pulled pork, pork spare ribs and sausage, but also has several tacos including the Cedar Hill taco (pulled pork, salsa verde, avocado crema, pickled red onions) and the Dallas taco (brisket, barbecue sauce, cojita, onions, cilantro, jalapeño relish).
There’s also a number of burgers, sandwiches and signature dishes like loaded nachos and lemon pepper fries.
The Sieglers didn’t didn’t reveal in the Facebook post why Mija was closing. They noted they hoped folks could drop by “one last time” before they close the doors for good.
“To every person who ordered a meal, left a review, recommended us to a friend, attended an event, or simply stopped by to say hello: thank you,” the post read. “You helped make this dream possible.”