The parking lot at The Hog Pit Smokehouse Barbecue Restaurant and Arts & Entertainment Bar on East Tanque Verde Road seemed full nearly nightly over the past couple years.
But despite appearances, the restaurant closed, apparently because its roof required repairs that exceeded the budget of current operators Les Baxter and Trina Smucker.
In a Facebook posting Monday morning, Baxter, a well-traveled Tucson jazz musician, said he had planned in May to have something done to repair the leaky roof at 6910 E. Tanque Verde Road. After getting estimates from two professionals, he said he realized the repair was a much bigger project than he and Smucker anticipated.
“Yes, it probably could have been done for less, but that approach is the root of all the other problems here,” he said. “Bandages are not always the answer, especially when it comes to a roof that's supporting commercial A/C units and such.”
It was not clear from the posting when the Hog Pit closed. The last event held at the restaurant, which Baxter had developed into a vibrant concert venue, was May 31.
Baxter said he and Smucker will soon open a new venture, The Les-Paul Lounge, at 4400 E. Broadway. It was not clear from his posting if it will be a restaurant or music club, although he indicated that Burgerrito food truck would contribute some part of the menu.
Neither Baxter or Smucker could be reached to comment Tuesday morning.
Baxter and Smucker took over the Hog Pit in November 2013, added a strong music element that quickly gained favor with fans and Tucson artists, who performed on the patio.
