The BBQ Joint on 14th Street NW is now closed. (Photo by Jai Williams)

Back in March, Chef Andrew Evans opened a location of his BBQ Joint at 2005 14th St. NW. Just about nine months later, he’s shut his doors, citing the high cost of doing business in the area and an overall bad location fit.

Our early visit to the restaurant found a relaxed atmosphere and large, tasty portions of smoked pork, brisket, turkey, and sausage.

“It all seemed like it made sense,” says chef and owner Andrew Evans, who started the barbecue business in 2010 at his Easton, Maryland location.

But it turned out his location at 2005 14th St. just didn’t bring in the needed business, despite being just a few blocks from the crowds south of U St. The address has become somewhat notorious for failing businesses. Since 2011, it’s been home to several short-lived concepts including Blackbyrd, Hanoi House, and Den of Thieves.

Evans says that he realized after opening that the block wasn’t as busy for eating as he’d hoped, especially when it came to lunch, business, and family customers.

“There was lots of foot traffic going by but it wasn’t a spot people associated with dining,” he says.

Evans made efforts to appeal to a broader audience, introducing weekly entertainment like drag shows and live entertainment. The 14th St. location was also unique in that it used vertical pellet smokers—difficult tools that Evans says he worked long and hard to perfect.

Despite the closure, fans of Evans’ barbecue will be glad to know he hasn’t fallen off the map. He’s still selling it at his stand inside Union Market (1309 5th St. NE), the original restaurant in Easton, Maryland (216 E. Dover St.) and at a third location Pasadena, Maryland (33 Magothy Beach Rd). He also plans to participate in upcoming barbecue events around the city, and is exploring other opportunities for the future.