The unmistakable smell of smoked ribs could soon return to Overtown. The Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (SEOPW CRA) has completed the restoration of the historic People’s Bar-B-Que, and is now seeking a new operator to bring the restaurant back to life.
Located at 350 NW 8th Street, People’s Bar-B-Que was once a staple of community pride, serving soul food favorites and drawing both locals and visitors. After years of closure, the CRA has fully renovated the restaurant, installing a new barbecue pit, upgrading kitchen appliances, modernizing systems, and refreshing the exterior.
Photo credit: Harris Public Relations
The space is move-in ready, offering what the CRA calls a rare turnkey opportunity for grill masters, restaurateurs, or culinary entrepreneurs. Proposals to lease and operate the restaurant are now being accepted, with community members set to play a role in choosing the winning concept. As part of the selection process, the CRA plans to host a tasting event that celebrates Overtown’s culinary history.
“People’s was more than a restaurant—it was an institution that helped shape the soul of Overtown,” said James D. McQueen, Executive Director of the SEOPW CRA, in a press release. “We’re proud to support reimagining this space in a way that honors its legacy and continues its tradition of serving the community.”
Photo credit: Harris Public Relations
Interested operators must submit proposals by Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. to the City of Miami Clerk’s Office. The CRA expects to announce the selected operator before the end of the year, with a grand reopening tentatively scheduled for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend in January 2026.
For many, the revival represents more than a restaurant reopening—it’s a chance to preserve cultural memory, support local entrepreneurship, and breathe new life into one of Overtown’s most beloved landmarks.
More information on the proposal process is available at bit.ly/46yrBzs.
Photo credit: Harris Public Relations
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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