Jo Ann Holt
The restaurant formerly known as Billy Bob’s Texas, called the “world’s largest honkytonk” after its 1981 opening in Fort Worth’s stockyard district, is reopening mid-August. But Billy Bob’s is transforming (or to use everyone’s favorite pandemic term, pivoting) from honkytonk/night club with 30 bar stations to a “Honkytonk-themed restaurant.”
With over 100,000 square feet inside, Billy Bob’s has plenty of room for social distancing. Billy Bob’s will still feature country music concerts, starting with The Bellamy Brothers August 14. Some of their former events, though, like bull riding shows, won’t be on the menu. Due to Covid-19 and their status as a restaurant, Billy Bob’s has called a halt to such live-action events at the new establishment.
Press materials relate that Billy Bob’s Texas has applied for a new permit “that would allow the legendary Stockyards bar to open and operate as a restaurant, under restaurant guidelines. Management is still working on a few details but has every intention of opening BBT and the Honky Tonk Kitchen sometime between August 12-14.”
Billy Bob’s Concerts
Photo: Josh Abbott Band courtesy Billy Bob’s Texas
Following the Bellamy Brothers concert Aug. 14, other popular groups are scheduled to appear at Billy Bob’s. Flatland Cavalry performs Aug. 15, with Tracy Byrd Aug. 21, Casey Donahew Aug. 22, and Chad Prather Aug. 23. The Josh Abbott Band performs Aug. 29 at 10 p.m.
Each of these concerts is limited to 1,200 tickets, a far cry from those good old days when some 6,000 rowdy fans jostled for viewing position. The new restaurant rules are for 1,000 socially distanced reserved seats and 200 socially distanced general admission tickets.
Fall Concerts
Photo: Billy Bob’s Texas
Press materials further inform that “Billy Bob’s Texas remains dedicated to the health and well-being of the staff, guests, and entertainers. Learn more about the safety and sanitation processes at billybobstexas.com/safeandclean.”
Fall concert headliners include Sammy Kershaw (9/11), Shane Smith & The Saints (10/17), “Hold My Beer and Watch This” Tour with Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen (10/23), and Lonestar (10/30). For additional information and ticket purchases, see billybobstexas.com.
Live at Billy Bob’s Texas, broadcast on Circle Network, offers a front-row seat to their concerts. Performances by such legendary country music artists as Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, Eddy Raven, and Gary Stewart have aired since the broadcasts launched in January.
Go to CirclePlus.com for shows, schedules, and a simple guide to getting the channel. Or visit BillyBobsTexas.com/live-at-billy-bobs for more information.
