Chris & Pitts BBQ announced Tuesday it has closed its Bellflower restaurant, located at 9839 Artesia Blvd., after 75 years of operation. The closure marks the end of an era for the beloved Southern California barbecue joint, known as the “Home of the Live Wood Fire.”
“With grateful hearts, we say goodbye to our beloved location and thank you to all of our loyal customers and dedicated employees who have made the past 75 years so special,” the restaurant stated on its Facebook page. “We are truly honored to have been a part of your lives and our community for three-quarters of a century. Thank you for 75 great years of memories, friendship, and support.”
The restaurant, established in 1949, specializes in a variety of barbecue offerings, including ribs and chicken. While the Bellflower location has shuttered, the Chris & Pitts BBQ outpost at 9243 Lakewood Blvd. in Downey remains open.
“We look forward to seeing you there! With sincere gratitude, Thank you for being part of our family,” the restaurant concluded in its message. No specific reason was provided for the closure of the Bellflower site.
News of the closure prompted an outpouring of memories from customers on social media. Many shared their long-standing connections to the restaurant, with one patron recalling, “Grew up eating here, took my kids when we moved from the area. My father worked here in the 40’s when it was a diner. He washed dishes. So many memories.” Another customer expressed nostalgia for the experience of waiting for a table, recalling vivid memories of playing video games while anticipating a meal.
