Panther City BBQ Buys Legendary Downtown ‘Cue Spot
February 21,2024
See full Fort Worth Magazine article by FWTX Staff here.
An over 90-year-old barbecue shack that was once a mechanic shop located at 826 Taylor St. is under new ownership. Bailey’s Barbecue established in 1931, is being taken over by Panther City BBQ, according to a post pushed out on the company’s Instagram page earlier this week. However, business will continue as usual at this legendary Fort Worth ‘cue spot until Panther City BBQ steps in to take over on March 1st.
To this day, Bailey’s still has a bustling crowd of barbecue fans that line the street in front of the small eatery beginning at 10:30 a.m. when the establishment opens. The lines may have something to do with this spot’s convenience and iconic menu. In fact, Bailey’s offers a sack lunch, which includes a BBQ sandwich, bag of chips, and a drink which is ready yo go in record time if you are on the move.
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Ernest Morales, left, and Chris Magallanes, right, co-owners of Panther City BBQ.
Opened in 1931 by Navy cook J.T. and his wife Tommie Bailey, this eatery has become a lunch staple for generations of Fort Worth foodies. The small eatery’s décor itself hasn’t changed much since the Bailey’s took the spot over in the early 30s, however the skyline that surrounds it has, which is more of a testimony to our city's growth and the passage of time.
This is part of the reason Panther City BBQ co-founders Chris Magallanes and Ernest Morales liked the idea of taking this spot over. According to a social media post, Panther City BBQ will “carry the torch for a part of Fort Worth barbecue history.”
This marks only the third time this 93-year-old business has changed hands. Bailey’s actually stayed in the Bailey family ten years shy of a century before the spot was sold to restaurateur Tim Turner in 2021. And given its culinary legacy, the new owners have championed the patina of the old red cinder block motif that has become a recognizable section of Fort Worth's Downtown area.
“While we were never looking to expand or add another location, the opportunity to carry the torch for a part of Fort Worth barbecue history somewhat fell in our lap,” an Instagram post reads. “We are excited to get to work on embracing the old as well as introducing the new to the downtown area.”
And this isn’t just lip service either, in 2021, Panther City BBQ made Texas Monthly’s list of the top ten BBQ joints in the state — high praise indeed.
With this announcement already out in the open, Bailey’s has taken to social media asking frequent visitors to the eatery what their favorite menu items are.
Our Don't miss menu item: Oak-smoked brisket, sliced lean, then piled high on Mrs. Baird’s buns.
Hot tip: The pulled pork is worth a try. It’s served one way and one way only — spicy.
Location Mentioned: Bailey's Barbeque