Dr. Rolf's BBQ Restaurant in Spring Lake to Close

Less than two years after opening on the West Michigan waterfront, a locally cherished BBQ joint is closing its doors. Fans who stopped in for smoke‑ringed brisket and ribs will have to say goodbye soon.

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Spring Lake BBQ Restaurant to Close

The last time we checked in Dr. Rolf's BBQ in Spring Lake, they were celebrating the grand opening of a new on-site craft beer brewpub in October. Live music, yard games, and the first pours of their house-made beer marked what felt like the start of an exciting new chapter.

Dr. Rolf's BBQ Spring Lake via Facebook

Prior to that, the restaurant opened it's doors in May 2024 on the shores of Spring Lake inside the former Old Boys’ Brewhouse building. Owners Dr. Rolf and Judy Hissom quickly made it a spot for carryout, dine-in, catering, and even scenic waterfront dining.

Their Muskegon restaurant had already earned a loyal following, and the Spring Lake spot looked like it would follow suit... but now it is poised to close.

Why is Dr. Rolf's Closing?

Despite strong community support, the Spring Lake location struggled to hit the sales needed to cover high overhead costs. In a statement, Judy Hissom said the decision to close “did not come easily” and expressed gratitude to the community for welcoming the restaurant. She went on to say,

"Unfortunately, sales have not been sufficient to support continued operations at this location The combination of underperformance and high overhead costs has made it financially impossible for us to remain open in Spring Lake.”

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Dr. Rolf's in Spring Lake will serve its last meals on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Staff were given two weeks’ notice, and customers are encouraged to visit in the coming weeks to enjoy a meal, say goodbye, and support the team as they transition to new opportunities.

👇BELOW: WEST MICHIGAN RESTAURANTS WITH OUTDOOR HEATED IGLOOS👇

Other Locations Stay Open

Meanwhile, the Dr. Rolf's in Muskegon and sister restaurant The Early Owl remain fully open, continuing to serve their signature barbecue and favorite menu items. While Spring Lake will lose a new favorite spot, fans can still get their smoked meats (and award-winning chili) fix nearby.

Grand Rapids Area Restaurants with Outdoor Heated Igloos

Winter in West Michigan can get a little wild, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up dining outdoors. In fact, this is the season when it gets really good.

These bars and restaurants around the area offer cozy outdoor setups inside heated igloos and other warm little hideaways. Some even add fireplaces, twinkling lights, and full-on festive vibes that make winter feel a whole lot more magical.

Scroll through and find your next winter night out. And if there’s an igloo experience we should add, send it our way and we’ll get it on the list!

Gallery Credit: Janna