Beloved BBQ spot closes its doors in historic Edmonton hotel
Transit Smokehouse & BBQ, known for its brisket and located in the iconic Transit Hotel, has permanently closed its doors. But you won’t have to wait long to see it return with the same mouth-watering barbecue and a brand new name and location.
The restaurant said in a post on Friday that while its longtime location at 12720 Fort Rd. NW has shut down, it will reopen on Whyte Avenue under a new concept.
“We appreciate all of the support we’ve received from those sad that our signature location in one of the oldest and most historic buildings in our city will now be closed,” the restaurant said in a Facebook post.
The restaurant said it hopes to see someone take over the space, but that the location may be difficult to sustain. It warned that the building, like other landmarks, may not last in a city that it says often “erases its history.”
“We genuinely hope this building and other historic sites survive, but it will only happen with community and leadership support.”
The restaurant opened in 2021 with a goal of breathing new life into the 118-year-old hotel.
Built in 1908, the Transit Hotel was one of North Edmonton’s early landmarks and once served travellers along the Fort Road corridor. It was listed for sale in November 2023 for $3.9 million after its longtime owner prepared for retirement.
A note on the restaurant door says the new concept will reopen as Midnite Rooster at 10732 82nd Avenue NW, with a note on the door saying, “Stay tuned for our official reopening date!”
Midnite Rooster
Address:Ā 10732 82nd Ave. NW