A Taste of Texas Takes a Break

A Beloved Texas-Style Barbecue Spot Shuts Down

Pico’s BBQ, a cherished Texas-style barbecue food truck, has closed its doors. Known for its mouthwatering ribs, brisket, and sausage, the food truck was a rare gem in the Peninsula area. It had been serving up delicious eats on Saturdays for about a year in Redwood City. Before that, it was a pop-up, popping up weekly to satisfy cravings.

The Tough Decision

The owner, Russell Savage, made the tough call to close up shop. He shared the news on Instagram, thanking his loyal customers. He poured his heart into Pico’s BBQ and was grateful for the support. The closure wasn’t due to a lack of customers, though. Savage had been juggling too much and was at risk of burning out.

Challenges Faced

Running a food truck comes with its own set of challenges. Savage faced several hurdles in expanding his business. He was running out of space in his food truck. He even applied for a Small Business Administration loan but was turned down because the restaurant was only open one day a week. He found a potential brick-and-mortar spot but hit another roadblock—getting permission to operate a smoker proved to be unlikely.

A Legacy of Unity

Despite the challenges, Savage is at peace with his decision. He’s proud of the diverse crowd he attracted. People from all walks of life—different economic, political, and racial backgrounds—came to enjoy his barbecue. He truly brought a unique cross-section of California together through his food.