Bluebird Deli closes, plans return as Legado BBQ

Owners cite need to focus on mental health in decision to shutter deli, shift to pop-up barbecue events

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:26pm

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A high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic barbecue item such as grilled brisket or smoked sausage, repeated in a tight grid pattern with flat, vibrant neon colors and heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the bold, celebratory spirit of Legado BBQ's pop-up events.The vibrant pop-up barbecue events of Legado BBQ will bring a new flavor of community celebration to Midland, Texas.Midland Today

Bluebird Deli & Goods in Midland, Texas has officially closed its doors, but the owners are not giving up on their culinary dreams. Michael Mendoza, one of the owners, said the difficult decision to close the deli was made to ensure the team could focus on their mental health. While sad about the closure, the owners are excited to return to their roots, cooking barbecue and selling it at pop-up events under their sister company Legado BBQ.

Why it matters

The closure of Bluebird Deli marks the end of an era for the local Midland community, which had grown to love the deli's sandwiches and homemade goods. However, the owners' decision to prioritize their mental health and shift to a pop-up barbecue model highlights the challenges small businesses face in maintaining work-life balance, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

The details

Bluebird Deli & Goods officially closed its doors on April 10, 2026. Owner Michael Mendoza said the team made the difficult decision to close the deli in order to ensure they were taking care of their mental health, not wanting to stretch themselves too thin. While sad about the closure, the owners are excited to return to their roots, cooking barbecue and selling it at pop-up events under their sister company Legado BBQ. The first pop-up event will be at the Red Dirt BBQ Festival.

  • Bluebird Deli & Goods officially closed its doors on April 10, 2026.
  • The first Legado BBQ pop-up event will be at the Red Dirt BBQ Festival.

The players

Michael Mendoza

One of the owners of Bluebird Deli & Goods, who cited the need to focus on mental health as the reason for the deli's closure. He said the team is excited to return to their roots and sell barbecue through pop-up events under their sister company Legado BBQ.

Staggerlee Schulze

One of the owners of Bluebird Deli & Goods, who is pictured smiling with the other owners in front of the deli.

Ryan Mendoza

One of the owners of Bluebird Deli & Goods, who is pictured smiling with the other owners in front of the deli.

Legado BBQ

The sister company of Bluebird Deli & Goods, under which the owners will be selling barbecue at pop-up events.

Red Dirt BBQ Festival

The first pop-up event where Legado BBQ will be selling their barbecue after the closure of Bluebird Deli & Goods.

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What they’re saying

“We didn't want to stretch ourselves too thin and this is one of the things we had to let go of.”

— Michael Mendoza, Owner, Bluebird Deli & Goods

“It's been nice to talk to everybody and hear their praise and comments about what they'll miss about the deli. It's been kind of uplifting.”

— Michael Mendoza, Owner, Bluebird Deli & Goods

“The last couple of months have been a roller coaster, but each of us genuinely enjoys serving everybody and seeing their smiling faces.”

— Michael Mendoza, Owner, Bluebird Deli & Goods

“It's a bittersweet thing and we're excited for the future. We're definitely grateful for everybody that supported us and continues to support us.”

— Michael Mendoza, Owner, Bluebird Deli & Goods

What’s next

The owners of Bluebird Deli & Goods plan to hold their first Legado BBQ pop-up event at the Red Dirt BBQ Festival, with the goal of hosting monthly pop-up events going forward.

The takeaway

The closure of Bluebird Deli & Goods in Midland, Texas highlights the challenges small businesses face in maintaining work-life balance, especially in the wake of the pandemic. However, the owners' decision to prioritize their mental health and shift to a pop-up barbecue model shows their resilience and commitment to their culinary passions, even in the face of adversity.