Outdoor smoker fire temporarily shutters popular BBQ spot
The flames jetting from a smoker outdoors next to Goode Company BBQ, located at 8911 Katy Freeway, caused enough damage Monday night that the popular barbecue restaurant remains temporarily closed.
There were clouds of black smoke outside the Hedwig Village restaurant when the fire department responded to a call around 11:30 p.m. Monday, said Howard Miller, interim fire chief of Village Fire Department.
No employees were working at the restaurant when firefighters arrived. They spotted two smokers used to slowly cook brisket in an outdoor area that’s covered with a roof, Miller said.
Firefighters believe the heat and flames from one of the smokers reached the roof, but they were able to quickly extinguish it. There was also some water damage in the dining room.
“It was very minor but it had potential to be worse,” Miller said.
Goode Company released the following statement: “Late last night there was a small fire at our Goode Company BBQ location on Katy Freeway. We are very fortunate that no one was hurt and that the fire damage seems to have been contained to the outside of the building. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the Village Fire Department for their speedy response and valiant efforts in putting out the fire. The restaurant sustained some minor internal water damage that we will be addressing, so we will be closed for the time being, but we look forward to opening back up soon.”
Goode Company operates three barbecue restaurants in the Houston area, including the iconic original location on Kirby.
The fire took place just as Goode Company CEO Levi Goode announced his plans to launch a separate lifestyle brand that includes two new restaurants.