Another Restaurant Shuts Down in Lubbock—Is the Chain Era Over?

Not long ago, we were asking, “What restaurants does Lubbock really need?” Many of those requests were answered—and just as quickly, many have already left town.

Is the Gimmick Era Over in Lubbock?

The latest to call it quits in the Hub City: Bone Daddy’s. The restaurant is now obviously shuttered, despite averaging a respectable four stars on Google Reviews. To be fair, the closure wasn’t just a Lubbock issue. The entire chain appears to have collapsed; even their website has gone dark.

I don’t know exactly why our local Bone Daddy’s closed, but I’ll admit the whole idea of corporate barbecue has always felt a little off to me. I’ve got three local places I frequent, and even though it’s technically a chain, I still think Rudy’s gets the job done. That’s just my take, though—Lubbock has no shortage of solid BBQ spots to choose from.

Read More: Why Slaton Bakery Is A Must-Visit From Lubbock

Looking at the bigger picture, I’m starting to wonder if the era of quirky, corporate-themed restaurants is coming to an end. Bone Daddy’s always gave me the same kind of vibe as Joe’s Crab Shack—loud exterior, forced personality. I’d roll my eyes every time I passed by. Hooters might be the best example: great food, but built entirely around a theme rather than authenticity.

And here’s the thing—we all know it’s local people working in these restaurants, and mostly cooking the food. But we tend to prefer places where those locals also have a stake in the reputation and the community. Lubbock isn’t short on quality, locally-owned restaurants—or small regional chains that feel connected to West Texas.

Sure, a few national chains still do well here, and many are managed exceptionally. But I think it’s safe to say Lubbock likes its value on the plate—and isn’t too interested in paying for gimmicks or atmosphere.