Overtown's People's Bar-B-Que Poised for Revival at 350 NW 8th St.

MIAMI — The Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (SEOPW CRA) opened a request for proposals on Sept. 25, 2025, to lease and operate the historic People's Bar-B-Que at 350 NW 8th St., according to the agency's RFP announcement. The site, which opened in 1962 and served as a soul food staple before closing around 2016, has undergone renovations and now awaits an operator to revive its legacy. Community members will help evaluate submissions, ensuring the selected concept honors Overtown's rich history. Earlier reports indicated Barry West, former owner of Rosie's, along with partners Raheem Sealey and Mark Wint of Drinking Pig BBQ, emerged as frontrunners for the lease. They proposed Black Pit BBQ, featuring southern smokehouse fare with breakfast, lunch, early dinner, vegetarian and vegan options, and event hosting to boost foot traffic. While negotiations with the CRA were pending as of late 2025, no updates on a final award have been released by the agency as of May 12, 2026. The revival aligns with broader CRA efforts to revitalize Overtown, a neighborhood long impacted by urban renewal and highway construction. Primary sourcing from the SEOPW CRA's RFP documents emphasizes community involvement in the selection process, with proposals due by a deadline outlined on redevelopment.net. Residents near NW 8th Street can expect the smells of smoked ribs returning soon, potentially within a year of lease finalization. This local boost comes as South Florida grapples with an 11,000-acre Everglades wildfire threatening air quality; Overtown residents should check miamidade.gov/airquality for real-time updates and limit outdoor activities if AQI exceeds 100. The project also supports economic resilience amid dropping gas prices at $4.40 per gallon statewide, easing costs for local businesses and commuters.