LEMON GROVE, Calif. — Dozens of people showed up to a local restaurant in Lemon Grove after they announced on social media that they are shutting down. The community stepped up to show their support and get some Texas style BBQ before their doors close.
Coops West Texas B.B.Q, a family-owned business in East County was impacted by the pandemic. With high inflation and slow business, owners had to close down the restaurant.
“Tears rolled down my eyes because I know how hard the owners work and their just a staple in the community,” Customer Gwen Pierce said.
For 13 years, the restaurant brought a taste of West Texas to San Diego with some of their signature dishes like beef brisket, pulled pork and Texas sausage.
“It kinda gives you a sense of just home, cause there are a lot of Texans here in San Diego so having a piece of our heritage it just makes it all sweet,” Pierce said.
The decision to close down the restaurant didn't come easy for owner Brad Cooper. He said that after the pandemic, business was not the same.
“The price of everything has gone up, food, you know … gas, materials and you know just the type of cooking that we do is expensive anyway,” Cooper said.
Skyrocketing inflation caused some of meats this restaurant serves to nearly double in price.
“Proposition 12 drove the price of pork sky high and that's a big part of our business,” Cooper said.
Brad tells CBS 8 that before the pandemic, people used to travel from all around the county to try his restaurant. However, once the pandemic hit and gas prices went up, his business dropped.
“Business slowed down," Cooper said, he adds that people are not eating out like they used to.
A long line of customers wrapped around the building to grab a taste of the lone star state.
“We're losing a big part of the community,” Customer Vincent Velasco said.
The business will be doing catering and pop-up events in the future and hope they can continue to receive the community's support on their next journey.
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