Fredericksburg BBQ Restaurant To Close Downtown Location, Shift Focus To Catering

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Billikens Smokehouse will close its restaurant at 623 Caroline St. in Fredericksburg on Nov. 26 after nearly 10 years in business, the family behind the restaurant announced in a Facebook post Wednesday morning.

The restaurant said it will cease operations at its Caroline Street location but will continue the Billikens Smokehouse brand through catering.

"After nearly ten years of serving this incredible community, this is one of the hardest things we've ever had to write," Greg, Sharon and Ashlie Shalawylo wrote in the post.

The family said the decision "did not come lightly," noting that Billikens Smokehouse is having its best year since opening.

"Our family and staff have poured countless hours, endless effort, and a whole lot of heart into creating something truly special here," the post said. "What makes this announcement even more difficult is that we're currently having our best year since opening our doors."

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Billikens Smokehouse thanked customers for their support over the years, saying the restaurant had become more than a place to eat.

"From first dates and family dinners to celebrations, live music, and late nights with friends, you've allowed Billikens to become far more than just a restaurant," the family wrote. "You've made it a community."

The restaurant also thanked current and former staff members, saying they helped turn the business into more than the owners had imagined.

"You were never just employees - you became family," the post said. "Together, we've celebrated victories and created memories that will stay with us forever."

Although the restaurant space is closing, Billikens Smokehouse said it is "not disappearing." The business plans to focus on expanding its catering operation throughout the region, including weddings, corporate events, retirement parties, family reunions and backyard gatherings.

"We've worked far too hard to let that happen," the family wrote. "As we enter this next chapter, we'll be focusing heavily on growing our catering operation and expanding our reach throughout the region."

The restaurant said it will continue to update customers on its plans and hinted that there may be more to announce.

Billikens Smokehouse also plans to hold a farewell party before the Caroline Street restaurant closes. Details will be announced later.

The family invited customers to share photos, stories and memories from their time at Billikens Smokehouse as the restaurant prepares for its final months at "The Chimneys."

"This isn't goodbye," the post said. "It's simply the end of one chapter and the beginning of another."

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