Grumpa Bear BBQ closing in Rocky Top
A couple from Knoxville dines on the front porch of Grumpa Bear BBQ in Rocky Top on Saturday, Aug. 29, as restaurant owner Louis Blas looks on. (photo:G. Chambers Williams III )
The restaurant, specializing in smoked meats, sits at 211 S. Main St., behind the Coal Creek Miners Museum and just in front of the Rocky Top fire and police departments.
Louis Blas, who moved to the Medford area from California in February 2024, bought the building with his wife, Cindy, and immediately began gutting and remodeling the interior to prepare for the new restaurant, which opened in late August 2024.
“After having discussions with the family about the economic times we’re in, we have decided that our venture in the BBQ business is coming to an end,” the owners posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page. “Our last day will be Sept. 26.
“We have enjoyed our experience and the numerous people we have met along the way,” the post continued. “We want to express from the bottom of our hearts how much we appreciate everyone who supported us during our journey.”
Blas said the family, which includes his son, Kristopher, and his son’s wife, Haley, will be remaining in the area.
“We will sell the building, if we can,” Blas said. His wife has a new job in home health care, and he will be looking for a position, he said.
They have no plans to open another restaurant anytime soon, he added.
Blas retired in December 2023 from working for the state of California prison system in the food-service department.
“I always had a vision of doing a barbecue business with my son,” he said when getting ready to open Grumpa Bear BBQ. “I’ve been running through my retirement income, and decided I needed to do something to get some money coming back in.”
Besides smoked meats, including Grumpa Bear’s signature tri-tip beef, the restaurant also serves pulled pork and sliced chicken sandwiches – all made from meat smoked on site.
Also featured are side items such as smoked macaroni and cheese, street corn, jalapeno cornbread and pinto beans.