Feedstore BBQ told customers the truth, and they’re thanking the Southlake restaurant
Feedstore BBQ has been making friends for nearly 20 years, and it needed them all last week.
Southlake’s backroad barbecue landmark is open again at 530 S. White Chapel Blvd., cleaned and sanitized after closing for two days and hoping to see all the Lafavers family’s fans and friends.
They took a risk. They posted June 21 on Facebook that an employee who worked in the back taking phone orders tested positive for coronavirus, one of many among more than 11,000 in Tarrant County.
At least 12 local restaurants have disclosed positive tests. Others haven’t. (It’s not required.)
“I think restaurants should be very transparent,” Lafavers said. “The only way to get the news out was on Facebook. I had to get everybody tested. We’ve always been clean, but we gave it a good cleaning.”
Customers and commenters thanked him, and Feedstore has been “very busy” since, Lafavers said.
It should be. Feedstore and other restaurants will never be safer than when they reopen after testing and cleaning.
Diners who know and love them want to thank them for telling the truth. (Some other restaurants get shunned after disclosing a positive COVID-19 test, and still more restaurateurs are afraid to tell.)
“We’re really thankful for our customer base,” Lafavers said.
Feedstore opened in 2001, when Southlake Town Square was brand new.
“Things were a lot different,” he said.
“We’ve been able to grow with the community.”
Feedstore’s menu is bigger than ever, featuring St. Louis-style ribs, brisket and a choice of six meats and 15 vegetables and sides.
Feedstore also serves burgers, catfish and salads, plus chicken-fried steaks on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The entire menu has been available daily and will continue to be, Lafavers said.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily and will be open until 6 p.m. July 4 for dinner before fireworks shows.
“I’ll open up the pasture, and people can come out and have fun,” he said. “But even if they’re out in Mom and Dad’s pasture, they’ve got to wear a mask.”
Feedstore is on South White Chapel Boulevard south of East Southlake Boulevard; 817-488-1445, feedstorebbq.com.
This story was originally published June 29, 2020 at 5:45 AM.
