Mesa residents now have one fewer option for pulled pork, brisket, and racks of ribs -- 5 Star BBQ & Grill has shuttered.
The 'cue joint, owned by Jim and Joanne Hauer, who started 5 Star as a barbecue-focused catering company in 2009, opened in a former Taco Bell on Country Club Drive, just north of Mesa's Main Street, in September of last year.
The Hauer's smoked meats did not follow a particular barbecue style. Rather, they incorporated an assortment of rubs, injections, and sauces made from fresh ingredients. Meats were slow-smoked using the flavor of hardwoods such as pecan, apple, and cherry. Sauces were offered on the side.
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A heartfelt entry on the restaurant's Facebook page had this to say:
"Very sad. The little train that could ran out of steam this week. We finally ran into obstacles that we just couldn't overcome. We had to close. So many were pulling for us and we hope we didn't let you down. Tremendous amount of blood, sweat and tears (all literally) went into this and it's a very emotional time. But we will pick ourselves back up, dust ourselves off and figure out how to keep walking forward. We have made lot of friends along the way and you all mean so much to us. If there is anything you ever need, contact us and we will gladly help however we can. Thank you all for the best wishes you have bestowed on us this past year."
