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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

“To me, that little red building was perfect.”

Heards BBQ & Soul Food announced on March 27 on its Facebook page that it will be turning the page to the next chapter in its history and closing its Maplesville location. Roman and Shakira Heard started the business seven years ago in the town they have spent almost their entire life, and have since served hundreds of hungry residents and visitors.

In the post, the Heards said that around 80% of their customers at its Maplesville location were not from Maplesville, but visitors coming from out of town to try the award-winning BBQ. That, the stress of staffing two locations and the details that come with having two separate locations were leading reasons for the business to focus solely on its sit-down Clanton location that opened in January.

“For seven years we have been able to bring revenue to our city and shine more light on our community, and for that I’m proud,” Heards said. “To be able to be recognized as one of the best BBQ places in Alabama right at home has been such a blessing from God. I am also proud of the people that come to me and say how much their faith has grown by seeing what God has done in my life after years of them hearing me say I would have this.”

The Heards said that God has opened a door at the Clanton location while closing another one at the Maplesville location. Roman and Shakira have spent nearly their entire lives in Maplesville, and they want to dispel any rumor or concern that they have forgotten about the town they grew up in. The Heards thanked their loyal customers who gave their business to the Maplesville location over the years, and helped build them into a multi-time award-winning restaurant.

The choice to close the Maplesville location will benefit the Clanton location with a more expanded menu that will transition to the same menu daily, longer hours of operation with more staff on hand and more focus towards the details, which Heards said is when they are at their best.

“To the customers here that supported us we are so thankful, and you all are what makes this a hard decision. We have had so many people reach out to us knowing how hard this could be and encouraging us,” Heards said. “I have been able to help so many people through the Maplesville location … I pray that it blesses its next owners like it has me and that it brings more great food to Maplesville.”

The post also mentioned that the Heards BBQ food truck will be utilized more in the near future and can be seen at events around town to serve customers on the go.