A POPULAR barbecue restaurant has abruptly announced its closure in New Jersey after seven years in business.

Texas Roadhouse rival Kimchi Smoke Barbecue had "the best brisket anywhere" - but the owners have now decided to close its Westwood site.

On Monday, owner and pitmaster Robert Austin Cho posted the update to Facebook.

It read: "We will be transitioning out of Westwood in the next 2 months or so.

"Please come and use your gift cards and certificates as soon as you can.

"We thank everyone who has visited us, supported us, dined in, took out, bought merchandise and sauce, ordered catering, wrote reviews, shared photos, posted photos, videos, wrote blogs, articles, interviews, voted for us… There are simply so many great things that happened.

read more on restaurant closures

"Thank you for trusting us in the uncertain times of 2020 and 2021. It was a crazy time but we got through it together."

The announcement added that the location in Ridgewood will remain open and that the company will be focusing more on catering.

The Ridgewood location opened last year.

Cho said that there are a number of big events coming up and the use of a food truck.

Most read in Money

He reassured fans: "We will have your favorite brisket and pastrami, which just got an award at Brisket King NYC 2023."

Fans commented on the update agreeing with The Record's restaurant critic Elisa Ung who said: "Kimchi Smoke Barbecue is worth the drive from anywhere in New Jersey."

Those who supported her comments added that it is worth the drive "FROM ANYWHERE!!!!" not just within New Jersey.

"We will be sad to see you go! Thank you for everything you brought to Westwood," another added.

One fan went as far as to say: "The best brisket anywhere. Wishing you continued success!"

The Southern-style Korean barbecue spot first opened in a small space in Bergenfield in 2016.

In less than a year, the popular spot was forced to expand, which is when it moved to Westwood.

People will be able to visit the Kimchi Smoke food truck at the Paramus Food Truck Festival on Sunday, May 7.

The event ran by Just Jersey Fest will be held at Paramus Park Mall for a "fun-filled family day" featuring 20 food trucks, pony rides, mini golf, and much more.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTEZqqupl6YvK57zKilnrFfbX1zf5Fwamisla2utHnRqJidoJ%2BqwKZ50aKtmqRdoLaur8eiZKyln6Cybr%2FHrqusZZSkxK951pqpp6tdmMK0wM6mnKurXw%3D%3D