Rebuild Iconic Jones Bar-B-Q After Extensive Fire Damage 

Arkansas' legendary Jones Bar-B-Q Diner suffered extensive fire damage the morning of Sunday, February 28.  Mr. Jones was cooking in the back as he has done for years, stepped away for just a moment. When Jones looked back, he saw his legendary fire-pit engulfed in flames.

According to Wikipedia, Jones Bar-B-Q has been open since at least the 1910's, is believed to be the country's oldest Black-owned restaurant, and was Arkansas' only James Beard Award-winning restaurant in Arkansas when it won in 2012. The James Beard Foundation deemed the diner "An American Classic."

If we lost Jones Bar B Q, it would be a tragedy for the Jones family, for Arkansas, and for all Americans who champion Black entrepreneurs and their businesses. Please help raise the needed funds to rebuild this iconic Arkansas restaurant and to save the Jones family business.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported that Fire Chief Terry Sandefer said about 70% of the building was damaged, but that it is salvageable. Let’s work together to ensure the Jones family can rebuild!

Pictured is Jones Bar-B-Q owner Mr. James Jones and his wife, Betty in front of their destroyed restaurant. The Jones family has run the bbq diner since its inception, and the location lost today has been in operation since 1964.

The Venture Center is working with the Jones family to raise funds to help them rebuild Jones Bar-B-Q Diner. 100% of all funds raised go directly to the Jones family.