Hot Rods BBQ Hosting Farewell Celebration

An iconic local eatery is serving up its late plate of barbecue this week.

After a court battle and foreclosure action that did not turn out in its favor, Hot Rods BBQ and Grill in Lutz is holding a thank-you celebration for the community from 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 2, according to its Facebook page.

“It’s a big loss to the community,” said musician JT Curtis, a son-in-law to owner Rod Gaudin who will be performing at 4 p.m. Thursday. Curtis, who has performed at the Livingston Avenue business “a bunch” of times over the course of its 17-year history, said the farewell gig is bittersweet: He is glad to help, but sad to see the business go.

“I’m at a loss for words,” Curtis said.

Court Battle Leads to Closure

The quirky, iconic eatery at 18430 Livingston Ave. was the subject of a court battle that ended April 27 in a foreclosure auction.

A lien had been placed on the property, which Gaudin owned with wife, Helen, and was later foreclosed upon following a civil lawsuit against the couple concerning unpaid personal loans. The suit was initiated by Helen’s former boss, David Potts. 

Potts maintained he loaned them money to pay property taxes and insurance, but had never paid it back. Gaudin disputed the allegations.  

Gaudin could not be reached for comment. 

What will you miss most about Hot Rods? Share your thoughts by commenting below.

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SEE ALSO

• Hot Rods Gets Extension on Slated Foreclosure Sale
• Hot Rods BBQ & Grill Faces Foreclosure
• Hot Rods Owner Trying to Stop Foreclosure Sale