Former Pratt's BBQ Site Eyed for Gas Station

City documents reveal plans to redevelop the property in Kingsport, Tennessee.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

The former Pratt's BBQ property in Kingsport, Tennessee is being eyed for redevelopment into a new gas station, according to recently published city documents. The popular barbecue restaurant closed its doors several years ago, and the property has sat vacant since then.

Why it matters

This redevelopment plan represents a shift in the commercial landscape of Kingsport, as the city looks to replace a longtime local business with a national gas station chain. The change could impact the character of the neighborhood and raise questions about the balance between economic development and preserving local institutions.

The details

The city documents indicate that a major gas station company has expressed interest in acquiring the former Pratt's BBQ property and building a new fueling station and convenience store on the site. The plans are still in the early stages, but if approved, the new development would replace the iconic barbecue restaurant that had operated at the location for decades.

  • Pratt's BBQ closed its doors several years ago.
  • City documents outlining the redevelopment plans were recently published.

The players

Pratt's BBQ

A popular barbecue restaurant that operated in Kingsport, Tennessee for many years before closing down.

Kingsport City Government

The local government entity that is reviewing and potentially approving the plans to redevelop the former Pratt's BBQ property.

Unnamed Gas Station Company

A major national gas station and convenience store chain that has expressed interest in acquiring the former Pratt's BBQ property and building a new facility on the site.

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What’s next

The city will continue to review the redevelopment plans and gather public input before making a final decision on whether to approve the gas station project.

The takeaway

The potential replacement of a longtime local business with a national gas station chain highlights the ongoing tension between economic development and preserving the character of Kingsport's neighborhoods. As the city considers this proposal, it will need to balance the needs of the community with the desire for new commercial investment.