Barbecue news
Historic BBQ restaurant in Fort Worth snapped up by Panther City BBQ team

Bailey's Bar-B-Que has new owners.
Downtown Fort Worth restaurant Bailey’s Bar-B-Que has been acquired by new owners who are more than familiar with the area and good barbecue.
The historic barbecue joint at 826 Taylor St. was purchased by Chris Magallanes and Ernest Morales, co-founders of Panther City BBQ. Their ownership takes effect March 1. Bailey’s will remain open through the transition.
Bailey’s was founded by J.T. and Tommie Bailey in 1931, and it stayed in their family until 2021, when it was sold to restaurateur Tim Turner.
It’s known for its old-school style of barbecue, spicy pulled pork, and low-for-barbecue prices — a large brisket sandwich goes for $9.
Magallanes says they're excited to "carry the torch” for the iconic spot.
“We are barbecue nerds, and we are well aware of the history of barbecue in Fort Worth,” he says. “This was a place we would eat at when we were kids. Once it went up for sale, we really wanted to preserve it as a barbecue restaurant and keep some of that history.”
The restaurant will stay as Bailey’s for at least 30 days, but they plan to introduce a new name and branding. However, the location will not become a second Panther City, although they plan to add Panther City items like brisket elote and desserts.
“We still want to keep some of that old-school flavor, that old-school flair in Fort Worth,” Magallanes says.
The duo will run operations on the new space with Magallanes’ brother Raymon.
Their goal is to keep the price point low. However, the previous ownership had the benefit of paying the same rent on the space since 1987 - a rate that has definitely now increased for the new owners.
They’ll bring in new artwork for the dining area, but most changes will happen behind the kitchen doors, as the restaurant’s smokers are due for an upgrade, Magallanes says.
“Regardless of whether we purchased it or not, somebody would have,” he says. “For all we know, someone else would have torn it down and turned it into a coffee shop.”