A world-renowned barbecue joint is once again facing challenges ahead of opening its highly anticipated Johnson City location. After a series of costly delays, this latest hurdle is slightly more unexpected. But if it clears, the restaurant could announce a grand opening date soon.
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After receiving a citation for a neon-colored rooftop sign at their upcoming Texas location, James Jackson, the fun-loving owner of Mad Jack’s Hill Country Barbecue, had to appear before Johnson City’s City Council on Tuesday, September 15, to request a variance to keep the sign.
Mad Jack’s Hill Country Barbecue is set to open in Johnson City soon. The world-famous spot, owned by Lockhart native James Jackson has faced several delays. (Courtesy of James Jackson)
The business, located outside the city limits but still within an extraterritorial jurisdiction controlled by local leaders, has limited visibility. The $20,000 sign, a small part of the $2 million investment Jackson has poured into the restaurant, is intended to attract future guests and customers.
But the sudden arrival of yet another issue holding back the eatery from finally bringing its signature “dino” ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and sausage is just the latest in a struggle to bring the Mad Jack’s Mountaintop Barbecue spinoff to life. The New Mexico-based restaurant was previously set to open this year before postponing, citing issues with a state-required septic system and an “extravagant” filtration system on the business’ water well, according to Jackson.
Mad Jack’s Hill Country Barbecue is set to open in Johnson City soon. The world-famous spot, owned by Lockhart native James Jackson has faced several delays. (Courtesy of James Jackson)
Jackson, who spoke with MySA ahead of the meeting, joked online that he might have to install humorous, rhyming “Burma Shave-style” signs along a nearby highway to finally move forward. On a more serious note, he said the signage issue could be make-or-break.
“When I was down at the city hall, talking to one fella,” he said, describing what his initial visit with the city after receiving the citation, “I told him that I had no plans at all of taking it down.”
“My sign is something I’m extremely proud of… It’s very kind of a vintage-looking sign that really matches the building. And I wasn’t going to take it down,” Jackson told MySA.
The barbecue master, who famously left Central Texas due to a dispute with the city, shared, lightheartedly, that if his sign is not approved, he may “pull the plug” and turn the historic property back into a home, and “be known as the crazy old guy with a sign on the roof.”
“The people are just really nice, good, hardworking people,” he continued, sharing that he hopes the sign will be allowed to stay up.
Jackson says he and his fiancé, Gracie Jo, both love the people of Johnson City and are excited to finally return to Central Texas. The often candid, fun-loving barbecue master hinted that he may finally announce the opening date for the barbecue joint as early as Tuesday night, if the variance is granted.
“If only we had the chance to feed the city council some of our brisket or maybe beef ribs. Oh boy, we have them in the palm by hand,” said Jackson.
Find it: 624 N. US 281, Johnson City, TX 78636
This article originally published at Could one rooftop sign keep a world-famous Texas BBQ joint from opening?.
