HOUSTON – It’s the end of an era for a Houston landmark. Otto’s Barbecue on Memorial Drive will dish up its last serving of beef brisket, sausage, ribs and all the fixins’ on Wednesday.
Otto’s has been in business since 1951.
One of Otto’s most loyal customers, former President Bush, stopped by Tuesday to say goodbye.
"41" ordered his usual: Beef ribs; sausage links, brisket and a side of beans. He also had some pecan pie.
"We’ve been coming here for many years, 1959 I think, and we knew Otto and we knew his widow," President Bush said. "Just think the world of the people and they put on a good barbecue. I’ll miss them. Our family will miss them."
Bush said he wasn’t really hungry but he couldn’t pass up one last pit stop at Otto’s on Memorial.
"They've always been a class place in terms of barbecue," he said.
A young woman standing in line next to Bush paid for his lunch, then asked him to autograph her receipt. Bush bought lunch for the rest of his entourage.
Otto’s hamburger restaurant on Memorial will remain open, as will the chain’s other barbecue locations.
