Sabar Barbecue Closes Doors in Fort Worth After Acclaimed Run
Fort Worth’s unique barbecue scene is saying goodbye. Sabar Barbecue announced its sudden closure. The popular food truck served its last meal on December 20, 2025. This marks the end of a two-year journey. Owner Zain Shafi is pursuing a new, unexpected opportunity. This development alters his original plans. He had considered a permanent restaurant for 2026.
A Unique Culinary Fusion
Sabar Barbecue stood out. It offered a distinctive blend. This fusion combined Pakistani spices with Texas barbecue traditions. Shafi, an alumnus of the renowned Goldee’s Barbecue, started Sabar in November 2023. His initial vision was Halal Texas barbecue. It evolved into a more creative fusion. He incorporated flavors from his Pakistani heritage. The menu featured brisket. It also included tandoori turkey. Seekh kebab sausage was another highlight. Lamb ribs replaced traditional pork ribs. Sides offered a unique twist. Customers enjoyed fruit chaat and daal chawal. Raita was served instead of barbecue sauce. This approach introduced Pakistani flavors to a wider audience.
Rapid Rise to Acclaim
Despite its short operational history, Sabar Barbecue achieved significant recognition. In just two years, it earned a prestigious spot on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 Barbecue list. This list is highly regarded in the barbecue world. Daniel Vaughn of Texas Monthly praised Sabar’s offerings. He called every bite a “revelation”. He specifically noted the flawless brisket and perfectly spiced seekh-kebab sausage. Sabar BBQ was also nominated for Best BBQ in CultureMap’s 2025 Tastemaker Awards. The restaurant was featured in the book “Texas BBQ: The Art of Low and Slow”. This rapid ascent highlights the quality and innovation of its food.
The “Unexpected Opportunity”
The decision to close was sudden. Shafi stated an “opportunity came up that we couldn’t pass on”. He described it as “something out of left field”. Just weeks before the announcement, plans were underway for expansion. These included adding another smoker and working towards a brick-and-mortar location. The food truck’s operating agreement was also up for renewal. The new opportunity reshaped his trajectory unexpectedly. Shafi has not disclosed specifics about this new venture. He does plan to keep his smoker and trailer. There is a possibility of occasional pop-ups in the future.
The Final Service
Sabar Barbecue operated primarily on weekends. Its final service was scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 2025. The truck was located at 194 Bryan Ave. in Fort Worth. Service began at 11 a.m. It continued until sold out. Customers gathered to enjoy their unique flavors one last time. The closure adds to a challenging year for local restaurants. It’s part of a trend of notable barbecue closures in Texas.
Impact on the Fort Worth Food Scene
Sabar Barbecue brought a unique voice to Fort Worth’s competitive food landscape. Its innovative approach appealed to many. The restaurant successfully merged two distinct culinary traditions. This created a memorable dining experience. Its success demonstrates the growing diversity in Texas food trends. Food enthusiasts will miss its distinctive flavors. Shafi’s departure leaves a void. However, the memory of his culinary achievements lingers. The Fort Worth food news cycle continues to evolve. Many are eager to see what Shafi pursues next.
Looking Ahead
Shafi’s journey with Sabar Barbecue ended. His influence on the local food scene is clear. The “Sabar” name means “patience”. This virtue was essential in developing his craft. It is also a reminder of the time needed for true culinary excellence. The food truck industry in Texas remains vibrant. New ventures constantly emerge. Sabar Barbecue’s story is one of innovation and rapid success. Its legacy is one of bold flavors and cultural fusion. The community thanks Shafi for his contributions. They await his next chapter with anticipation.
