New Downtown Phoenix Barbecue Spot Closes After 3 Months

Golden Oak Barbecue and Taproom shuttered due to issues with the building's homeowners' association.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Golden Oak Barbecue and Taproom, a new craft beer bar and smokehouse with South American influences, has abruptly closed in downtown Phoenix just three months after opening. Co-owner Chris Figueroa cited "complications" with the building's homeowners' association as the reason for the closure, noting that neighbors had complained about the restaurant's smoke and they were unable to reach a resolution.

Why it matters

The sudden closure of Golden Oak highlights the challenges small businesses can face when opening in mixed-use developments, where they must navigate relationships with neighboring residents and homeowners' associations. This story also underscores the importance of zoning and permitting processes for restaurants that rely on smoke-producing equipment.

The details

Golden Oak Barbecue and Taproom opened in October 2025 in a main-floor space of the Artisan Lofts on Central in downtown Phoenix. Co-owners Chris Figueroa, the chef behind the popular Nicky's Barbecue pop-up, and Oro Brewing Co. owner Dave Valencia had partnered on the project, which featured a giant rotisserie smoker and a menu of smoked meats, barbecue staples, and Peruvian-inspired dishes. However, the restaurant soon faced complaints from neighboring residents about the smoke, despite having initially received approval from the building's homeowners' association. Figueroa said they tried to address the concerns by extending the restaurant's flue, but the issues persisted. When the owners disclosed the HOA problems to their investors, the investors pulled out, leading to the restaurant's abrupt closure just three months after opening.

  • Golden Oak Barbecue and Taproom opened in October 2025.
  • The restaurant closed in February 2026, just 3 months after opening.

The players

Chris Figueroa

The co-owner of Golden Oak Barbecue and Taproom and the chef behind the popular Nicky's Barbecue pop-up.

Dave Valencia

The co-owner of Golden Oak Barbecue and Taproom and the owner of the now-closed Oro Brewing Co. in downtown Mesa.

Artisan Lofts on Central

The mixed-use building in downtown Phoenix where Golden Oak Barbecue and Taproom was located.

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What they’re saying

“Ever since our first day of smoking on site, there was a tension and there was a conversation that continued to go on. We were working alongside of them, but yet, I guess to them we weren't moving fast enough.”

— Chris Figueroa, Co-owner, Golden Oak Barbecue and Taproom (phoenixnewtimes.com)

“We thought we were doing something really cool and awesome to bring something valuable to this building. But, I guess a handful of individuals did not want that, and everything happens for a reason.”

— Chris Figueroa, Co-owner, Golden Oak Barbecue and Taproom (phoenixnewtimes.com)

The takeaway

This abrupt closure highlights the challenges small businesses can face when opening in mixed-use developments, where they must navigate complex relationships with neighboring residents and homeowners' associations. It underscores the importance of thorough zoning and permitting processes, especially for restaurants that rely on smoke-producing equipment, to avoid such conflicts in the future.