After nearly 12 years serving award-winning barbecue and country-style favorites, Barnwood BBQ Country Kitchen and Smokehouse has officially closed its doors. Owners Dan and Elaine Backhaus announced on social media they have retired, or “semi-retired,” as Dan puts it, after handing over the keys to the restaurant to Phil and Kate Barnard, owners of the Magical Meat Boutique in downtown Mount Dora.

The Barnards plan to open their British-themed restaurant at Barnwood’s former location, 3725 W. Old U.S. Highway 441, within the near future. Their new space, just two miles from their current downtown location, offers something the customers have been asking for—more parking.

According to the Facebook post, Magical Meat Boutique will keep their downtown Mount Dora restaurant open through October as they transition. The new location will feature the Magical Meat Boutique’s signature English breakfast and classic lunch and dinner menu, but Barnwood’s breakfast favorites won’t be disappearing. They are keeping much of Barnwood’s staff and will continue serving the existing breakfast menu, adding their own English-inspired twists.

But it’s a bittersweet goodbye for BBQ lovers.

The Backhauses’ journey into the restaurant world began with a barbecue sauce contest in 2004 that led to national recognition. Their first big win came at the Lakeland Pig Fest, where they placed fourth overall among 54 professional teams in their first year and took home first place for chicken and sauce. A year later, they won first place for pulled pork, and their brisket consistently earned high praise.

Encouraged by the popularity of their sauces and rubs at local markets, the Backhauses opened their first restaurant in downtown Eustis in 2013. Five years ago, they expanded to the Mount Dora location, growing from a small barbecue spot into a full country kitchen and smokehouse.

Over the years, Barnwood became known for its fresh, from-scratch cooking, locally sourced ingredients, and even its own garden and beehives for local honey. Customer favorites included their baby back ribs, slow-smoked brisket and country-style breakfast.

While the restaurant is closed, Dan and Elaine aren’t done with barbecue altogether. Barnwood’s line of sauces, seasonings and local honey will continue to be sold in stores from Orlando to Jacksonville, and products will soon be available for purchase online at www.barnwoodbbq.com.

The couple is also considering keeping their Barnwood food truck active at special events around Central Florida.

The Backhauses expressed gratitude to their loyal customers and staff in a farewell statement. “We want to thank all of our wonderful loyal customers and great staff who have supported us over the years, and maybe we will see you out there soon at an event near you,” they said.

As for what’s coming next at the Old Highway 441 location, fans of Barnwood will now have the chance to experience the Magical Meat Boutique’s traditional British pub fare, along with a few Barnwood breakfast classics, when the new restaurant opens in the coming days.

Photos shared from Facebook