Shorty’s Bar-B-Q will serve its final meal at its Dadeland location at 9200 S. Dixie Hwy. on Sunday, Dec. 27, the restaurant announced. The closing ends a 75-year run for the landmark barbecue joint, which has operated along U.S. 1 since 1951.
In a message to customers, the restaurant said generations of families had gathered at its tables for ribs, celebrations and everyday meals. It is encouraging diners to visit one more time before the final day and to share their favorite memories and photos.
The West Miami and Davie locations will stay open, so the brand will continue. The Dadeland site is the original restaurant, founded by E.L. “Shorty” Allen. Known for hickory-smoked ribs, chicken and creamy coleslaw, it survived a fire that destroyed the original building, rebuilding in 1971, along with hurricanes over the decades.
The closing follows reports that the property was sold in 2022 for $14.5 million to developers Florida Value Partners and Atlantic Pacific Companies. In September 2025, the restaurant confirmed to Miami New Times that the flagship would eventually close and be demolished.
For South Florida diners, the closing removes one of the area’s best-known barbecue spots from a busy Dadeland corridor. Customers who want to eat there will have just a few weeks left.
