Jan. 29, 2026

Backyard BBQ is closing its brick-and-mortar restaurant in Sioux Falls for now but will continue to offer catering services and operate its seven food trucks while it finds a new location.

The final day at 3705 S. Western Ave. will be Saturday, but the goal is to find another location after the upcoming food truck season and reopen in the first quarter of 2027, said Eric Elenkiwich, director of operations and the son of owner and founder Alan Elenkiwich.

“Our landlord listed the building for sale in October, and although we had the first right of refusal to purchase, we declined the opportunity,” Elenkiwch said.

“Over the past twelve years, we have identified a significant need for drive-thru service and reduced indoor seating. Currently, our catering and food truck operations generate approximately 70 percent of our revenue, with the storefront accounting for the remainder.

“This shift presents us with an opportunity to seek a new location better suited to our operational needs and to consider expanding our menu offerings.”

Elenkiwich said they’d be happy to find a new location with a drive-thru and 30 to 40 seats. “The east side interests us if we could find the right location.”

The final hours for the restaurant will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. After that, customers can call 605-444-1800 for catering or to book a food truck.

Backyard BBQ has four trucks dedicated to barbecue; Ollies, which features burgers, all-beef hot dogs and beef chislic; Willy’s Fries, which specializes in loaded French fries; and Street Sweets with ice cream and fresh-squeezed lemonade. The trucks are kept at a warehouse in Tea.

Alan Elenkiwich’s original barbecue restaurant, which is in Brookings, remains open and just signed another five-year lease for its space, Elenkiwich said.