Long awaited and eagerly anticipated Dixie Brown’s BBQ will not be bringing authentic barbecue to Main Street and Old Town Newhall. The restaurant, which had been announced in February, and been under construction since April, was planned to have opened last summer. But as suddenly as work had started on the spot, it stopped without explanation. The signs on the windows were blacked over where it was previously written “opening summer 2015.”

Lynn Guerre, one time co-owner of Dixie Brown’s confirmed a dispute affecting their ability to open, but would not go into detail as to the nature. She declined any further comment citing ongoing discussions between attorneys. According to public records, Dixie Browns has surrendered its license to serve beer and wine, and a new application is pending for a different business.

Sam Gardian, also a former co-owner of Dixie Browns is forging ahead however, and will be launching Southern Smoke BBQ and Brewhouse in its place, hopefully before Christmas.

The new restaurant will not change much from Gardian’s original menu concept, offering dozens of beers on tap as well as authentic slow cooked barbecue meats, towering burgers and traditional barbecue sides made gourmet style to order.

One thing Gardian has added are a number of fish dishes to the menu. Salmon, shrimp and scallops will be offered for those who look for something other than red meat or poultry.