How community support reopened this popular Columbus restaurant

Thanks to community support, Neicy’s BBQ of Columbus, 359 23rd Ave, has reopened.

The restaurant closed last month due to declining business from the Spiderweb intersection road construction project, designed to relieve traffic congestion by building a bridge over the train tracks at Buena Vista Road. The closure impacts Andrews Road, which is the main access road to Neicy’s BBQ.

But the restaurant reopened Oct. 31, just 10 days after its closure announcement. Gernard Hatcher, owner of Neicy’s BBQ of Columbus, 359 23rd Ave, announced the reopening in a Facebook post.

“Wow…we are truly overwhelmed,” Hatcher wrote in the post. “After sharing our closing announcement, the outpouring of love, support, encouraging messages, and even donations reminded us just how much Neicy’s BBQ means to this community. Because of YOU, we are staying OPEN!”

The post garnered over 900 likes and 100 comments from excited customers and community members.

A customer, Cynthia Ann Jones, wrote, “I’m happy to hear this. Each time I come home to visit, this is all that’s on my mind, and my first stop. Can y’all mail me a dinner, with ribs, sauce on the side, dressing, collards, and yams to Missouri! I want some so bad.”

Another fan of Neicy’s, Marcia Allen, wrote: “From the retired customer service representative at Total Restaurant Equipment, when you first opened, never give up!!!!!”

Hatcher told the Ledger-Enquirer that comments like those inspired him to reopen his restaurant.

“What made me come back was everyone saying, ‘No, Neicy’s doesn’t need to close,’” Hatcher said. “I had a lot of people tell me, ‘You need to open it back up.’”

As a thank-you for the support and donations, Hatcher offered a $10 dinner deal. He made the post late Thursday afternoon, thinking barely anyone would see it. Friday morning, a long line of customers came out to support. The restaurant ran out of food after lunchtime.

“I wasn’t prepared for that, really, how they came out and showed support,” Hatcher said.

Now, Hatcher said, he is focused on giving back to the community. He plans to host a free Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 23, when he will accept donations to help with supply costs. Details on how to get involved will be on the Neicy’s BBQ of Columbus Facebook page.

“I would like to feed everybody in the community,” Hatcher said.