Panther City BBQ Buys Legendary Downtown ‘Cue Spot

A one room barbecue sandwich shack that’s been around since 1931, gets its third owner in over 90 years.

February 21, 2024

9:50 AM

An over 90-year-old barbecue shack that was once a mechanic shop located at 826 Taylor St. is under new ownership. Bailey’s Barbecue established in 1931, is being taken over by Panther City BBQ, according to a post pushed out on the company’s Instagram page earlier this week. However, business will continue as usual at this legendary Fort Worth ‘cue spot until Panther City BBQ steps in to take over on March 1st.

To this day, Bailey’s still has a bustling crowd of barbecue fans that line the street in front of the small eatery beginning at 10:30 a.m. when the establishment opens. The lines may have something to do with this spot’s convenience and iconic menu. In fact, Bailey’s offers a sack lunch, which includes a BBQ sandwich, bag of chips, and a drink which is ready yo go in record time if you are on the move.

Ernest Morales, left, and Chris Magallanes, right, co-owners of Panther City BBQ.

Opened in 1931 by Navy cook J.T. and his wife Tommie Bailey, this eatery has become a lunch staple for generations of Fort Worth foodies. The small eatery’s décor itself hasn’t changed much since the Bailey’s took the spot over in the early 30s, however the skyline that surrounds it has, which is more of a testimony to our city's growth and the passage of time.

This is part of the reason Panther City BBQ co-founders Chris Magallanes and Ernest Morales liked the idea of taking this spot over. According to a social media post, Panther City BBQ will “carry the torch for a part of Fort Worth barbecue history.”

This marks only the third time this 93-year-old business has changed hands. Bailey’s actually stayed in the Bailey family ten years shy of a century before the spot was sold to restaurateur Tim Turner in 2021. And given its culinary legacy, the new owners have championed the patina of the old red cinder block motif that has become a recognizable section of Fort Worth's Downtown area.

“While we were never looking to expand or add another location, the opportunity to carry the torch for a part of Fort Worth barbecue history somewhat fell in our lap,” an Instagram post reads. “We are excited to get to work on embracing the old as well as introducing the new to the downtown area.”

And this isn’t just lip service either, in 2021, Panther City BBQ made Texas Monthly’s list of the top ten BBQ joints in the state — high praise indeed.

With this announcement already out in the open, Bailey’s has taken to social media asking frequent visitors to the eatery what their favorite menu items are.

Our Don't miss menu item: Oak-smoked brisket, sliced lean, then piled high on Mrs. Baird’s buns.

Hot tip: The pulled pork is worth a try. It’s served one way and one way only — spicy.

Comments (3)

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Baileys BBQ

I just read about new ownership of Baileys BBQ downtown. This casual little place has always been close to my heart. It was owned by Buddy Pratt family from 1961 to 2021. Buddy started working there as a teenager for his uncle in 1945. He bought the businesss from his uncle in 1961 and managed the store until he retired in 1994 when his daughter Brenda took over. Their BBQ was the best ever IMO. So my Grandmother worked there from the early 60s to late 60s when my Mom went to work for Buddy. I worked there while in HS and college in the 70s. It was a fun upbeat place to work when all the FWST and federal employees would stand in line for a sliced or chopped beef sandwich. One of my favorite customers was Tiny Gooch from Cantey, Hanger, Gooch, Munn and Collins law firm. There was nothing Tiny about Tiny Gooch lol. He always ordered chopped sandwich and had something clever to say. Buddy was a smart businessman but would act silly sometimes talking to himself while running back and forth to the pit while sipping on cold beer in the back. If you ordered a chopped sandwich , he would yell out Chop - Chop coming up lol. Brenda when taking orders always asked “ is that sauce and mustard on your sandwich “? My answer was always yes sauce and mustard. We sold a lot of cold beer in the afternoons to the old men standing around the small bar. That was the same bar where we kept pickles , onions etc at lunch. Speaking of small, the entire place was maybe 500 sq ft. So most of the customers ordered food to go. There may have been 20 small seats outlining the walls for dining in. The FW western decor never changed and it remains close to the same 1945 look.
In 1968, my Mom let me skip school to help her serve drinks for the huge crowd expected as Nixon was holding his campaign speech at Burk Burnett Park right behind Baileys. Buddy often reminded me that was the busiest day ever at Baileys, selling out of everything.
In later years in the 80s I worked for Southland Royalty Co in the Burnett Plaza Bldg.then Burlington Resources in the 90s. I frequented Bailey’s for my fav BBQ many times and cherished the great BBQ and happy days I spent working at Baileys. I’m sure the new owners at Panther City will preserve the best of the past from Baileys while adding their own new flavor and look.
I would encourage everyone to eat at Baileys ASAP for the best BBQ experience.
Mike Bartolowits
Owner - Rawhide Rustic Furniture

Mike Bartolowits 269 days ago

Bailey BBQ

My Dad and ate here so many times so did his friends. We would call they would save us a seats. Many of his friends would join us, I miss him 😔

Deborah Patton Bearden 274 days ago

Bailey's BBQ

There's 1,200 employees in the federal building across the street. When Tim Turner opened in the morning selling breakfast taco's, no one knew about it. Tim never put a sign out front about breakfast.

Barry Clauss 275 days ago