03 Apr PEOPLE’S BAR-B-QUE RESTAURANT REOPENING INCHES CLOSER
One of Overtown’s most iconic restaurants is reopening soon, with assistance from the SEOPWCRA. On March 29, the SEOPWCRA Board of Commissioners approved a $375,000 grant People’s Bar-B-Que, to complete extensive renovations to the local restaurant. People’s Bar-B-Que is located at 360 NW 8th Street. The popular eatery, known best for its succulent barbecue ribs and down home southern cooking, is scheduled to reopen this spring.
Prior to closing down for renovations, the property was in significant need of repair and rehabilitation. Funding from the SEOPWCRA is intended to breathe life back into the restaurant with the complete overhaul to the interior and exterior of the building. Its preservation is vital to maintaining a long standing business in Overtown during a time of significant development in the area spearheaded by the agency.
The restaurant has been a staple in the neighborhood for decades. In 1925, North Carolina native and Miami-Dade County’s first Black Pharmacist, Bobby Lewis Sr., opened People’s Pharmacy.The restaurant later became known as People’s Pharmacy and Barbecue. Ms. Gloria Lewis, daughter- in- law to, Bobby Lewis Sr., now owns and operates the family owned restaurant.
Interior improvements to the local restaurant will include: the installation of a newly redesigned kitchen area with all new equipment, a walk-in cooler and freezer, new dishwashing area, and private office and staff restroom. In addition, the kitchen will include a completely rebuilt Barbecue pit and an open seating counter that allows patrons to view the Barbecue cooking. There will also be new lighting and a modernized seating area with skylights and flooring. A newly added private dining room separate from the main seating area is also a new addition. The exterior of the building will include a new roof, parking, impact windows and doors and a redesigned façade and covered walkway. For more information, contact the CRA at (305) 679-6800.
###