Delaney’s Smokehouse reopened last year under new ownership following extensive renovations, but the north-end business has now closed.
"The food was great, and business was picking up well," said Stuart Hillyer, who co-owned the business along with Bill Tinsley. Tinsley also owns and operates Main Gate Bar & Grill and Kentucky Burn. However, Hillyer said a key piece of the business plan failed to materialize.
"We just had a hiccup with the gaming. You've got to have that, especially with us tucked back in here," Hillyer said. Delaney's Smokehouse, 2249 N. Third St., is located just north of Lincoln Park.
Hillyer said Dec. 1 was the final day of operations, and he and Tinsley are hoping to find someone to lease or purchase the business and real estate. He described it as a largely turn-key operation, noting that most of the equipment would be negotiable.
Hillyer said he does plan to keep the smoker and switch his focus to catering, specializing in smoked meats such as wings, brisket and pulled pork, although he will operate out of a different location.
The Delaney's Smokehouse menu also focused heavily on smoked meats, although fried chicken and tavern fare such as chili, burgers, horseshoes and pork tenderloin sandwiches were also staples.
The business, originally known as Delaney's Bar & Grill, was started by Don Delaney in 1959.
