Hot Rods Owner: Closing is Like Having a 'Death in the Family'

Rod Gaudin gave it everything he had, but in the end his popular Lutz barbecue joint had to say one final farewell to customers.

Rather than mark the last day of Hot Rods BBQ as a sad one for customers, Gaudin tried to turn it into a party of sort. With live musical performances courtesy of J.T. Curtis and lots of food on hand, the mood at the 18430 Livingston Ave. eatery was festive with an undertone of somber.

Gaudin lost Hot Rods in a foreclosure battle with his wife, Helen’s former employer. A foreclosure sale was held earlier this year and May 2 marked the last day of barbecue at Hot Rods.

“It’s kind of like having a death in the family,” said Gaudin about the last day. “First it’s denial and then it hits you.”

Customers seemed to share Gaudin’s sentiments.

“I lost my mind,” said Tim Masters of his reaction to hearing Hot Rods was closing down.

Billy Wilkins, owner of Local Wraps in Land O’ Lakes, stopped by on the final day, not knowing it was the end of the eatery.

Not only will he miss the food, he’s going to miss the feel of the place, Wilkins said.

“The environment’s cool.”

That’s something Edwina Curtis said she’ll miss, too. She’s not sure where she’ll hold family gatherings in the future – Hot Rods has been her place to go for years. As mother-in-law to Gaudin’s daughter, Curtis felt right at home at the restaurant.

“I like it because of the country feel,” she said. “It’s quite unique.”

That feel is something Gaudin says he’s proud of and he hopes it’s a legacy that will be remembered.

“Hot Rods helped keep Lutz country and served up some good barbecue,” he said.

Will Hot Rods reopen in another location?

Gaudin says no, but thanks the community for all its support.

What do you think about Hot Rods closing down? Share your thoughts by commenting below.

See Also:

• Hot Rods' Customer Will Miss the Food
• Hot Rods Gets Extension on Slated Foreclosure Sale
• Hot Rods BBQ & Grill Faces Foreclosure
• Hot Rods Owner Trying to Stop Foreclosure Sale