It’s last call at Till Death BBQ as the popular Fort Irwin eatery closes its doors after almost two years in the community.
Owners Joy Warner and Shannon Brown say the restaurant, located beside the Fort Irwin Marina, will close Sept. 2, bringing an end to “the best adventure” filled with laughs, love, and copious amounts of food.
“It’s been an emotional couple of weeks, lots of goodbyes, but we’re trying to focus on the positives,” Joy told The Highlander. “We’ve made amazing memories here. Our customers have really become like family to us. We have received so much love and support in the two years we’ve been here.”
The restaurant opened in November 2021, just as things were getting back to normal post-pandemic. Then, the Browns commuted to work from Peterborough, where they lived with their three children. They have since rented a place in Fort Irwin, while their eldest daughter has also relocated to the community permanently.
“We felt such a connection here, which is why it’s so hard to let go,” Joy said, noting their lease isn’t being renewed at the restaurant.
The news has hit many cottagers in the area, including Lauren Bright, hard.
“This place has brought everyone together. It’s incredible how they’ve been able to foster this wonderful spirit of community. This has been a gathering spot for everyone in Fort Irwin,” Bright said. “There’s going to be such a void now. Till Death is much more than just a restaurant.”
The Carlton family say they’ll have to find another spot to hang out too. Shaun said he and wife, Susan, and daughter, Autumn, have been regular patrons for well over a year.
“This place brought life to the community – they have live music all the time, and the food is incredible. They’re the only place around here that has vegetarian and both gluten and dairy free options. We’re really going to miss it,” Shaun said.
Specializing in Texas-style barbecue, Shannon said he enjoyed sharing his unique style with customers. While most smokers cook meat at around 250 degrees, Brown keeps his cooker north of 600. That, along with a blend of homemade sauces and spices, created a taste that kept people coming back for more
The Browns say they are actively looking for another location in Haliburton County. They are taking their food truck on the road in September, with a brunch buffet scheduled at the Haliburton Legion Sept. 17. They’ll be back in town catering a Halloween party in October.
Haliburton County is home for us now, it would be a dream if we can find another location to keep running our business and continue making memories,” Shannon said.
The Browns can be found at tilldeathbbqinc@ gmail.com.
Joy Warner and Shannon Brown have had two great years in Fort Irwin.
