A San Antonio barbecue joint has closed after just one year in its first permanent location, with some locals calling the Medical Center restaurant space “cursed.”
On Friday, Garcia Barbecue announced that it has shut down its location at 9390 Huebner Road. In a statement shared on social media, the veteran-owned business thanked customers and staff for their support.
“We here at Garcia Barbecue want to reach out and let everyone know we have closed up shop in the Medical Center,” the statement read. “We want to thank each and every one of you for supporting us throughout the years on our journey. Thank you San Antonio for all the love and support we received. We love you 210!”
Garcia Barbecue closed in San Antonio on Friday, December 12. (Peter L. Scamardo II/MySA)
Garcia Barbecue closed in San Antonio on Friday, December 12. (Peter L. Scamardo II/MySA)
The closure comes just one year after Garcia Barbecue opened its first storefront in July 2024, following years of success as a pop-up and food truck concept.
In the comments, several customers pointed to the location itself as part of the problem, with one user writing, “That spot is cursed istg,” while another added, “I really want to know what it is about that spot that causes everyone to lose so quickly. I will miss it.”
Garcia Barbecue was co-owned by Jonathan Garcia and pitmaster Alex Garcia, who, despite sharing the same last name and not being related, have long referred to themselves as “brothers in brisket.” The concept began as a brisket pop-up in 2019 before expanding into food trucks and, eventually, the Medical Center storefront.
What’s next for Garcia’s Barbecue?
An order of brisket from Garcia Barbecue. (Courtesy of Garcia Barbecue)
While the location has closed, one half of the former duo says the barbecue isn’t gone for good. Pitmaster Alex Garcia shared that fans can still find the same flavors through a new food truck venture.
“That same award-winning barbecue that you got there at the storefront, you’re going to find it here at DinoRito,” Garcia said. “I’m going to go ahead and continue on this journey with you guys, so don’t forget, it is award-winning for a reason.”
The closure also comes after Garcia Barbecue received praise from Texas Monthly, which highlighted the restaurant in a December report. They described the brisket as “sliced thick and still tender,” with a bark “darkened by oak smoke,” and called the concept a strong addition to San Antonio’s barbecue scene.
For many fans, the Medical Center space may have earned its reputation, but the response to Garcia Barbecue’s closure suggests the brand and its flavors still have plenty of life beyond that address.
This article originally published at San Antonio BBQ joint closes after 1 year in ‘cursed’ Medical Center space.