Hunter
12/08/21
Looks like one of the area’s best barbeque joints will have to find a new place to feed the Iowa City faithful.
The Press-Citizen reports that members of the nearby First United Methodist Church have voted to buy the property where Pop’s BBQ is located.
It’s part of the church’s three-year Uncommon Faith capital campaign. Their Board of Trustees and Finance Committee have until early March to execute an option on the property. The current lease Pop’s has on the property will be honored.
The newspaper reports that the church , who purchased the Wesley Center property in 2019, also purchased an option to purchase the property where Pop’s stands once owner Patricia Lenoch died. She passed away in September.
First United’s campaign goals also include some renovations of the church, and to retire the debt on the Wesley Center and Geiger House, which they also own.
The Press-Citizen article doesn’t indicate what will happen to Pop’s BBQ once their lease expires, but KCJJ has learned that it’s long-term.