Pinkerton's Barbecue Axes River Oaks Lease

Pinkerton's Barbecue has been test running briskets for quite some time now. And while the prospect of its first brick-and-mortar outpost is one of the most anticipated openings in Houston, there’s just one problem. Grant Pinkerton recently lost walked away from the lease on Joanel Street in River Oaks because he and the landlord couldn't come to terms on parking issues.

"I’ve got my eye on three other spaces, all inside the Loop," said Pinkerton. "As soon as I can sign a lease it should only be about four months for permitting and build-out. We want to be open for football season."

Fingers crossed. In the meantime you can catch some smoke from Pinkerton on Saturday at the 3rd annual Houston BBQ Festival at NRG Park. He's also planning plenty of pop-ups around town. Pinkerton says the best way to keep track is by following him on Twitter — which is how you can find out when is next you bring’em we smoke’em event will happen.

— Marene Gustin