The owners of the acclaimed Watson’s BBQ in Tucumcari, New Mexico, housed in Tucumcari Ranch Supply, closed Saturday after the building they had for sale for several years came under contract last week.
Jimmy and Stella Watson, who owned Tucumcari Ranch Supply since 1980 and opened Watson’s BBQ there in 2008, are in their 70s and wanted to retire.
They told the Eastern New Mexico News (my day job) that the owner of two ranch-supply and feed stores in northeastern New Mexico was planning to convert Tucumcari Ranch Supply for the same purpose, but with no restaurant.
That transition will occur in the next 2 1/2 to 3 months.
Watson’s BBQ and Tucumcari Ranch Supply sit about a quarter-mile north of Route 66, but it remained popular among locals and Route 66 tourists alike because of its mesquite-smoked meat, scads of memorabilia on its walls and the Watsons’ hospitality.
Praise for Watson’s BBQ came far and wide. It had been featured in multiple videos and publications, including New Mexico Magazine. In February, Watson’s BBQ ranked No. 1 by Yelp! for the best restaurants along Route 66.
Jimmy Watson said that he probably would sell much of the memorabilia via a garage sale or on the internet in the next few weeks.
Watson said the closing was “bittersweet,” but he and his wife fulfilled their goal of owning and operating their own business for many years. He was also optimistic that the new owner would do well and be an asset to the community.
(Image of the Tucumcari Ranch Supply building in Tucumcari, New Mexico)