J.W. Robinson, who brought KC-style barbecue to Fort Worth, has died
Fort Worth barbecue pitmaster J.W. Robinson, who was a consistent presence at Robinson’s Bar-B-Que on East Berry Street, died July 27, the restaurant announced on Facebook. He was 78 years old.
“It is with deep sadness we share the passing of Our Dad, known by many names such as Fort Worth BBQ Pitmaster, Doc, Pops, Brother or simply Mr. Robinson,” his family wrote in the post. “He served his country, family and been a pillar in this community for over forty years with grace and always a smile.
“As the long time owner of Robinsons BBQ it will never be the same without him, but His name, reputation, his love for people and his legacy of flavor and fellowship will live on forever.”
Robinson co-founded Robinson’s Bar-B-Que in 1985 at 1028 E. Berry St. near Interstate 35W. The restaurant is well-known for its Kansas City-style barbecue — sweeter than most Texas barbecue, with a different rub — which he learned while working at Gates Bar-B-Q in Kansas City.
“It was the closest thing in Texas to KC’s Gates Bar-B-Q, and served some of the city’s best BBQ chicken ever,” the Star-Telegram’s Bud Kennedy wrote upon learning news of Robinson’s passing.
Robinson’s friends, family members and long-time customers posted tributes to him on Facebook.
“We moved to Fort Worth from Kansas City in the mid 1980s. One day my wife drove by Robinson’s and thought ‘that smells like home!’ She tried a chopped beef sandwich and knew she’d found the real deal. We have been faithful Robinson’s customers ever since,” one person commented on Facebook.
Funeral details for J.W. Robinson
Visitation is Wednesday, Aug. 6 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Lowery Suite at Tree of Life, 1051 S. Handley Drive in Fort Worth.
The family reception is Wednesday, Aug. 6 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Rising Star Baptist Church, 4216 Avenue M. in Fort Worth.
The celebration of life service is Thursday, Aug. 7 at 11 a.m., also at Rising Star Baptist Church.
Robinson will be buried at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas.
Those who wish to send flowers to the family can do so by clicking here.
