Uncovering the Mystery: The Truth Behind the Disappearance of Underdog BBQ

The smell of smoke and sizzling meat wafting through the air. The sound of laughter and chatter mixed with the lively music in the background. The taste of mouthwatering barbecue that leaves you craving for more. That was the experience at Underdog BBQ, a beloved restaurant that once stood proud in [insert location]. But now, it seems like all that’s left are memories and unanswered questions: what happened to Underdog BBQ? In this article, we’ll dive into the story behind this popular eatery and uncover the reasons for its sudden disappearance.

The Rise and Fall of Underdog BBQ

Underdog BBQ was once a beloved restaurant in the heart of Erie, Pennsylvania. It quickly gained a cult following for its delicious smoked meats, flavorful sauces, and friendly atmosphere. Customers couldn’t get enough of their mouth-watering brisket, tender ribs, and pulled pork sandwiches. Families made it their go-to spot for weekend barbecues and friends would gather around the tables to dig into platters of meaty goodness.

The success of Underdog BBQ was no surprise to its owners – childhood friends and business partners, James and Mike. The two had always dreamt of opening a barbecue joint since they were young boys flipping burgers in their backyard. They pooled their savings together and with the help of their families and friends, they opened the doors of Underdog BBQ in 2015.

Their passion for great barbecue and commitment to using only the freshest ingredients was evident in every dish served at Underdog BBQ. Along with their secret family recipes for rubs and sauces, they also incorporated unique flavors inspired by worldwide cuisines. This set them apart from other traditional barbecue restaurants in the area.

The Height of Success

In just a few short years, Underdog BBQ experienced unprecedented success. Locals couldn’t stop raving about it, tourists made it a must-visit destination when passing through Erie, and food bloggers were giving it glowing reviews. The restaurant’s popularity only continued to grow as they expanded their menu to include more dishes like smoked chicken wings, loaded baked potatoes, and even vegetarian options.

The logo of an adorable bulldog dressed as a superhero became synonymous with Underdog BBQ. It adorned everything from t-shirts to sauce bottles, adding to the restaurant’s charm. It wasn’t long before they outgrew their small location and moved into a larger space with more seating and even outdoor dining options.

The success of Underdog BBQ also brought in some high-profile recognition. They were featured on popular food shows and received accolades from renowned chefs. Their catering business was booming, with people hiring them for events all over the state.

The Downfall

But just as quickly as Underdog BBQ rose to the top, it seemed to come crashing down. In 2018, James and Mike announced on their social media pages that they would be closing down the restaurant indefinitely. This decision came as a shock to customers who considered Underdog BBQ their go-to spot for delicious barbecue.

In their post, James and Mike cited personal reasons for the closure, but it soon became apparent that there were financial struggles behind the scenes. The suddenness of the closure left many employees without jobs and customers without any warning.

The Aftermath

The closure of Underdog BBQ left a void in Erie’s food scene. Many tried to replicate their recipes, but nothing could replicate the distinct flavors of Underdog BBQ. The bulldog logo was no longer seen around town, and people wondered what had happened to the beloved restaurant.

Sadly, after months of being closed, it was announced that James and Mike had filed for bankruptcy. Their dream of owning a successful barbecue joint had come crashing down due to mounting debts and other financial burdens.

But there is a glimmer of hope for fans of Underdog BBQ. In 2019, a new owner took over the premises and rebranded it as “The New Underdog,” keeping some of the original recipes but adding his own spin on things. While it’s not quite the same as before, loyal customers can still get their barbecue fix at this new establishment.

The Legacy Lives On

The rise and fall of Underdog BBQ was bittersweet for its loyal customers who miss it dearly. But its legacy lives on through the fond memories and stories shared by those who experienced their delicious dishes and warm hospitality. Underdog BBQ may no longer be around, but its impact on the community and its mark on the food industry will never be forgotten.

The Origins of Underdog BBQ

Underdog BBQ was founded in 2016 by Rodney Scott and John Lewis, two renowned pitmasters with a passion for traditional Southern-style barbecue. The two met while competing on the barbecue competition circuit and quickly became friends. They shared a vision of bringing their love for authentic, slow-cooked barbecue to a wider audience.

The name “Underdog” comes from the fact that Scott and Lewis were often underestimated in competitions due to their non-traditional methods of cooking, such as using whole hog instead of just pork shoulders or ribs. But they proved time and time again that their method produced some of the most flavorful and succulent barbecue around.

The duo decided to join forces and open their first restaurant together in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The response was overwhelming – people lined up for hours just to get a taste of their mouth-watering brisket, ribs, chicken, and sides. With their success in Spartanburg, they knew it was time to expand.

Expanding Underdog BBQ

In 2018, Scott and Lewis opened their second location in Charleston, South Carolina. This location was bigger than the original restaurant and featured outdoor seating with live music – the perfect atmosphere for enjoying some delicious barbecue with friends and family.

But it wasn’t just about opening more locations – Scott and Lewis wanted to make sure that each location maintained the same high standards of quality that made them successful in the first place. They carefully choose each pitmaster at every location to ensure that customers were getting the best barbecue experience possible.

In addition to expanding within South Carolina, Underdog BBQ also has plans to expand nationwide. They have partnered with established restaurateurs who share their passion for great food and want to bring Underdog’s brand of Southern hospitality and barbecue to their communities.

The Underdog BBQ Menu

The menu at Underdog BBQ is a true celebration of Southern-style barbecue with a few modern twists. Their signature dish is the whole hog, cooked low and slow for 12 hours over hickory wood, resulting in tender, juicy meat with a crispy, smoky bark.

In addition to whole hog, they also offer pulled pork, ribs, and chicken – all smoked to perfection. Sides are equally as important at Underdog BBQ. They offer classic Southern sides such as mac and cheese, collard greens, and baked beans. But they also have some unique options like smoked wings and “pig candy” – thick cut bacon glazed with honey and spices.

And let’s not forget about the sauce. Underdog BBQ has their own signature sauce that is a tangy blend of vinegar, mustard, and spices. But they also offer different variations of other Southern-style sauces so everyone can find their favorite.

The Underdog BBQ Experience

When you walk into an Underdog BBQ location, you’re greeted with the sweet smell of smoke and the sounds of live music playing in the background. The atmosphere is inviting and casual – perfect for enjoying some delicious barbecue with friends or family.

All of their locations have open kitchens so customers can watch their food being prepared by skilled pitmasters. This adds an element of entertainment to the dining experience and allows customers to see just how much care and attention goes into each dish.

Add in friendly staff who are always willing to share their knowledge about barbecue techniques or make recommendations from the menu, and you have a truly authentic Southern experience at Underdog BBQ.

What Happened To Underdog BBQ?

Unfortunately, like many businesses, Underdog BBQ was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to prioritize the safety of their staff and customers, they made the difficult decision to temporarily close down all of their locations in March 2020.

The team at Underdog BBQ used this time to re-evaluate their business and come up with a plan to safely re-open. They also took this time to give back to their community by providing free meals for those in need and supporting local food banks.

In June 2020, Underdog BBQ was finally able to re-open their locations with extra safety precautions in place. They also adapted their services by offering online ordering and curbside pickup for those who are more comfortable with contactless dining options.

It hasn’t been an easy road, but Underdog BBQ is determined to continue serving top-quality barbecue and providing a one-of-a-kind experience for their customers. As they say on their website, “We make pit mistakes. But we don’t give pit up.” They truly embody the spirit of perseverance and determination – just like their name suggests.

The Future of Underdog BBQ

Despite the challenges that came with the pandemic, Underdog BBQ remains dedicated to

1) What is Underdog BBQ and why is it relevant?
Underdog BBQ was a popular restaurant known for its delicious barbecue dishes. It gained recognition when it won the reality TV show, “The Profit”, and was featured on the show’s spin-off, “Restaurant: Impossible”.

2) Why did Underdog BBQ close down?
Unfortunately, due to financial difficulties and disagreements among the owners, Underdog BBQ had to permanently shut its doors in 2020.

3) Is there any chance of Underdog BBQ reopening in the future?
Currently, there are no plans for Underdog BBQ to reopen. The owners have moved on to other ventures and do not have any plans to revive the restaurant.

4) Can I still enjoy Underdog BBQ’s food?
While the physical restaurant may no longer exist, some of their signature dishes are available at partner restaurants. However, these partnerships may vary from time to time so it is best to check with individual restaurants for availability.

5) Is it possible to get a refund for gift cards or unused balance at Underdog BBQ?
Unfortunately, due to bankruptcy proceedings, refunds for gift cards or unused balance at Underdog BBQ are currently not possible. It is advised to contact the bankruptcy trustee for further inquiries.

6) Are there any similar restaurants that serve barbecue like Underdog BBQ?
While every restaurant has a unique style and taste, some popular barbecue joints include Famous Dave’s, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, and Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q. It is always recommended to read reviews and try out different places until you find one that satisfies your taste buds.

In conclusion, the downfall of Underdog BBQ serves as a cautionary tale for all businesses, highlighting the importance of proper management and strategic planning in maintaining success.

One of the key factors that contributed to the demise of Underdog BBQ was poor management. Despite their initial success and popularity, the lack of strong leadership and financial oversight resulted in unsustainable business practices and ultimately led to their closure.

Moreover, the failure of Underdog BBQ also sheds light on the ever-evolving nature of the food industry. In an industry where trends and tastes constantly change, it is crucial for businesses to continuously adapt and innovate in order to stay relevant and competitive.

Another important takeaway from this situation is the importance of customer retention. While attracting new customers is necessary for growth, retaining loyal customers is essential for long-term success. It appears that Underdog BBQ focused too much on expansion rather than investing in building strong relationships with their existing customer base.

Furthermore, it is evident that having a solid marketing strategy is crucial for any business. Despite their initial success, Underdog BBQ failed to effectively market themselves which may have hindered their growth and contributed to their eventual downfall.

Ultimately, there are valuable lessons that can be learned from what happened to Underdog BBQ. The key takeaways include the importance of proper management

Author Profile

Erick Benitez

In 2003, the Coast Sushi Bar was founded, quickly becoming a beloved fixture in its trendy neighborhood, appreciated for its exceptional sushi and vibrant BYOB atmosphere.

The chefs at Coast have developed a mastery in blending subtle yet intricate flavors, establishing a reputation for pioneering innovative New-Japanese cuisine with only the finest global ingredients.

Building on decades of culinary success, the founder launched a new endeavor in 2024—a blog focused on Japanese snacks. This blog marks a significant shift from restaurateur to food blogger, motivated by a desire to share comprehensive insights into Japanese culinary arts and snack culture. The content covers traditional snacks, the evolution of snack culture in Japan, and the global influence and adaptation of these snacks.

Each blog post reflects the founder's commitment to quality and attention to detail, mirroring the standards of Coast Sushi Bar.

Aimed at both aficionados and novices of Japanese cuisine, the blog serves as a resource for deepening readers’ knowledge and appreciation of Japan's rich and diverse food culture.