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BBQ Joint Hidden Behind Jackson Heights Bar to Hang Up Its Tongs

By Katie Honan | September 9, 2013 4:10pm | Updated on September 9, 2013 4:34pm
  Alchemy, Texas BBQ  will be closing its kitchen in the back of Legend's Bar.
Alchemy, Texas BBQ Closing
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JACKSON HEIGHTS — A renowned neighborhood barbecue joint appears to have gone up in smoke just months after opening.

Alchemy, Texas BBQ, which has been leasing the back of Legends Bar on 35th Avenue since April, will be closing its kitchen, according to the restaurant's social media pages.

"It's been real. Alchemy, TX bids you adieu...," the restaurant tweeted Sunday.

Jim Giannone, who owns Legends Bar, said Monday that he hadn't yet heard from Alchemy's chef, Josh Bowen, who also owns the acclaimed John Brown Smokehouse in Long Island City. Bowen did not immediately return a call for comment.

A comment on Alchemy, Texas' Facebook page from the owners said they had a pop-up lease at the bar and "were just kind of having fun."

"Lease is up and it just isn't a tenable spot long term," they wrote.  "We thank everyone of you who came out and perhaps Alchemy, TX will return to your planet."

The restaurant, Giannone said, had a 9-month lease that could be revisited at the end of October.

Giannone hadn't heard from Bowen by Monday afternoon, he said. It's not clear when their last day will be, but they were open Sunday, Giannone said.

Alchemy, Texas BBQ opened in April in the back of the bar, which has an authentic wooden smoker that can cook up to 1,800 pounds of meat at a time.

But Giannone said the smoker won't stay empty for long.

He said he received a call this morning from another barbecue chef who hopes to lease the kitchen.