FINAL CHAPTER | Matlacha BBQ restaurant closes its doors permanently after accident

MATLACHA, Fla. – On Friday, That BBQ Place owner John Petrus told Fox 4’s Matlacha Community Correspondent Colton Chavez that he has no plans to reopen his restaurant.

“After the accident in April, it just wasn’t the same anymore,” said Petrus.

Investigators said 24-year-old Cody Curtis drove off the road and onto the patio of That BBQ Place on April 13.

According to investigators, Curtis ran over five people sitting there, including 80-year-old Mary Lou Sharp, who died in the accident.

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“I think about Mary Lou every day,” said Peter.

On Friday, Petrus said he was also thinking about his future path and explained that he plans to operate his chuck wagon full-time.

Peter said this unfortunately means that the memorial garden he created for Mary Lou Sharp will eventually have to be removed.

He said he plans to return most of the amount to donors.

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“It is not just a garden, but the garden is a reminder of them,” said Peter.

On Friday, Petrus said he wanted to keep the name Chuck Wagon, the name of the restaurant.

“It reminds me of that accident too. Every day… But now it’s time for a new chapter,” said Peter.

Click here to see where That BBQ Place’s Chuck Wagon will be next.