Howard Station Barbecue and Bar Closes After 7 Years

The popular Boone restaurant and event venue is shutting down, but the owners will continue their catering business.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:36pm

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After seven years of serving wings, hosting community events, and catering to the Boone area, Howard Station Barbecue and Bar has closed its doors. The restaurant, opened in 2019 by co-owners Cody and Chelsea Estes, hosted a variety of events like the 'Girls, Gays, and Theys Rave' and fundraisers for local organizations. While the physical location is shutting down, the Estes couple plans to continue their catering services.

Why it matters

The closure of Howard Station marks the end of a popular local gathering spot and event venue in the Boone community. The restaurant was known for its community involvement and support of local causes, so its shuttering will be felt by many. The shift to a catering-only model also reflects broader trends in the restaurant industry as businesses adapt to changing consumer habits.

The details

Howard Station Barbecue and Bar first opened its doors in 2019, founded by co-owners Cody and Chelsea Estes. Over the past seven years, the restaurant became a fixture in the Boone community, serving wings and hosting a variety of events like the 'Girls, Gays, and Theys Rave' and fundraisers for local nonprofits like OASIS. However, the Estes couple has now decided to close the physical restaurant location and continue the business solely through their catering services.

  • Howard Station Barbecue and Bar opened in 2019.
  • The restaurant's final day of operation was Saturday, March 30, 2026.

The players

Cody and Chelsea Estes

The co-owners of Howard Station Barbecue and Bar, who are continuing the business through their catering services.

Cariline Lampe

A member of the management team at Howard Station, who expressed gratitude for the relationships and memories built during her time there.

Emily Salter

A senior political science major and former employee of Howard Station, who said she will always look back on her time at the restaurant with gratitude and love.

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What they’re saying

“It has been such a joy being a part of the Boone community, and the outpouring of love and support for what we've built has been incredible. It is truly bittersweet to move onto our next journey.”

— Cody and Chelsea Estes, Co-owners of Howard Station Barbecue and Bar

“Being part of Howard Station for the past six years has meant so much to me. The relationships we've built with our team and this community are something I'll always carry with me, and I'm incredibly grateful for the memories we've made here.”

— Cariline Lampe, Member of Howard Station's management team

“As I get ready to graduate and start the next chapter, I will always look back on my time at Howard's with gratitude and love.”

— Emily Salter, Senior political science major and former Howard Station employee

What’s next

The Estes couple has not stated who they sold the Howard Station building to, and there are currently no known plans for the facility's future.

The takeaway

The closure of Howard Station Barbecue and Bar marks the end of a beloved community hub in Boone, but the Estes' decision to continue their catering business shows how some restaurants are adapting to changing consumer habits in the post-pandemic era.