LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Pig Beach BBQ on Louisville's waterfront has abruptly closed its doors, notifying customers with a single "we're closed" sign taped on the front door.

"I'm like what, it just opened. What the heck," Stephen Rob, who lives in Louisville, said.

Rob visits the Waterfront often with his son. He said his son is going to be disappointed.

"How am I gonna break the news to him that now he can't ever come back," Rob said.

"We are disappointed Pig Beach BBQ has decided to close its doors," said Deborah Bilitski, executive director of Waterfront Park in a written statement. "Waterfront Park strives every day to create a unique destination for everyone in our community." 

In a written statement officials said, "the owners of Pig Beach provided no advance notice to Waterfront Park of the decision to close and Waterfront Park officials are working to learn more about the situation."

"The Waterfront is Louisville's best kept secret. Cincinnati's got their recognition for their waterfront, which they did a great job on, but Louisville's got, in my opinion, just as good or maybe even better one," Rob said. "But you can't have empty spaces like this if you expect the waterfront to be all that and attract the kind of vibe you want."

Waterfront Park owns the building at 1201 River Road that sat vacant for several years until Pig Beach moved in last August. The building was formerly home to Tumbleweed TexMex Grill and Doc’s Cantina.

"I'm like what are we gonna have next? It needs to happen fast," Rob said.

On WDRB's Facebook, some people said  they think the building should be flipped into an event venue.

Pig Beach BBQ

Pig Beach BBQ on August 18th, 2024.

Alex Hopkins wants the public to be able to use it regularly. She has many team bonding memories at Pig Beach BBQ with her rowing team.

"I would have like to have some sort of, like social spa, like a restaurant, or some sort of like place to, like, sit down with friends," Hopkins said.

Park officials said they welcome suggestions and ideas from the community to determine how best the space can serve park visitors.

"The park right here with the kids that come down and play, and the Big Four bridge is just up the street. You gotta keep this place going," Rob said.

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