Columbus-area BBQ restaurant announces closure, following heart attack of owner

A Hilliard barbeque spot that once survived a fire is now calling it quits.

Legacy Smokehouse will close its doors after service on May 31. The concept, which opened in 2018, suffered a serious blaze in late 2021 that kept the eatery’s brick and mortar space closed until May of 2023.

According to a press release from Hilliard development group The Westwood Collective, the decision to close the eatery came about after owner Chad Smock recently suffered a heart attack.

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“Legacy Smokehouse wasn’t just barbecue,” Smock said in a press release, adding that he hopes the concept can continue in some other form in the future. “Legacy was our customers, our staff, the incredible Hilliard community. Turning the page on this chapter is incredibly difficult. Our goal now is to find a new way for Legacy to live on, whether that’s through catering, special events, or a different version of what made this place so special. We remain overwhelmed with gratitude.”

According to Westwood Collective, several businesses are interested in the Legacy Smokehouse property, which is located at 3987 Main St. in Hilliard.

“Two potential businesses have toured the 2,400+ square foot building in recent weeks, one a private cocktail club and the other an acclaimed do-it-yourself bar and gathering space,” Andy Warnock, Westwood Collective CEO, said in a press release. “Negotiations are ongoing. The property is officially for lease beginning June 1st.”

For details on the space, you can contact Cole Antle with Westwood Collective: cole@westwoodcollective.com.

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