Debbie Holt, the proprietor of Clyde Cooper’s Barbecue, is actively seeking to relocate the esteemed barbecue eatery from its current downtown Raleigh location. She expressed dissatisfaction with the atmosphere in the area, stating it no longer feels positive.

While Holt appreciates the contribution of downtown museums in drawing visitors, she is frustrated by the ongoing “negativity” in the city. She credits the restaurant’s survival to its catering services and a dedicated customer base.

Clyde Cooper’s has been a fixture at its current location at 327 S. Wilmington St. in downtown Raleigh for over a decade. Prior to that, it had a long history on East Davie Street for 76 years, dating back to its 1938 establishment by Clyde Cooper.

Holt’s concerns have been heightened by crime, particularly since the 2020 protests following George Floyd’s death in police custody.

A recurring grievance among customers, according to Holt, has been the scarcity of parking in the downtown area.

While she hasn’t identified a specific new location yet, Holt is committed to finding a new site where Clyde Cooper’s can thrive and continue pleasing its customers. She hopes to remain in or near the Raleigh area. The restaurant gained widespread attention last year when a customer’s call to 911 over pink meat went viral.