Two barbecue establishments in the Dallas-Fort Worth area have ceased operations, though their paths diverge regarding future plans. Crossbuck BBQ in Farmers Branch has closed permanently, while Yearby's Barbecue and Waterice in Plano is preparing to move to Allen.
The closures occurred as beef prices rose across Texas, but owners of both venues pointed to lease negotiations as the immediate cause. Crossbuck BBQ ended its five-year lease in late June 2026. Co-owner Tim McLaughlin stated that continuing the business was no longer financially viable. He noted that lunch costs had climbed significantly, making the menu pricing difficult to sustain. McLaughlin, who recently appeared on the Food Network program BBQ Brawl, said he will focus on raising cattle under the name Crossbuck Cattle Co. on a ranch near Waco. He does not plan to reopen the restaurant at a new location.
Yearby's Barbecue and Waterice, which was previously located in Plano and Pilot Point, is relocating to Allen. The restaurant was recognized by The Dallas Morning News as one of the best barbecue joints in the region and was featured in a PBS special produced by Texas Monthly. The venue was known for items such as brisket mac and cheese and Waterice, a dairy-free frozen fruit dessert.
McLaughlin mentioned that he is currently working full-time for a Dallas-Fort Worth restaurant company, though he declined to identify the employer. He described the end of the Crossbuck lease as a clean break. A third local barbecue spot, Ribbee's, also closed recently without citing beef costs as the reason.
