The announcement, made on Thursday, follows a period of rapid expansion for the popular barbecue purveyor. Owner James Anderson stated that the decision was a strategic one, aimed at allowing the company to dedicate its full energy to the locations and operations where they feel they can deliver the best product and experience.
“This change allows us to refocus on what we do best—serving award-winning BBQ quickly to the people who love it most,” said Anderson in a social media post. “We want to put our full energy into the locations you know and love, continuing to create the flavors, experiences, and memories that make our BBQ special.”
What’s Next for Ray Ray’s Fans?
While the Marion and Johnstown brick-and-mortar shops are now closed, and the Linworth truck will wrap operations at the end of the month, Ray Ray’s is not leaving the scene entirely.
* The company will be concentrating on its successful established locations, including Clintonville, Westerville, Franklinton (at Land-Grant Brewing), and Granville.
* The emphasis will shift back to the genuine roadside barbecue experience that initially propelled Ray Ray’s to local fame, with a focus on consistent quality and rapid service.
* Fans can still rely on Ray Ray’s for their catering and bulk pre-order services for large events.
The closures signal a pullback from a recent diversification into full-service dining models, returning the beloved BBQ spot to its roots. Patrons in the affected areas will now need to travel to one of the remaining Columbus-area locations to get their fix of smoked pork, brisket, and ribs.
It appears the Hog Pit is taking the advice of many a successful business owner: sometimes, you have to cut the fat to keep the meat juicy.
