Tallahassee, remember The Red Shed? It's making a comeback under new ownership

The Red Shed restaurant, noted as a "Best of Tallahassee" barbecue joint in 2023 and recognized by its gigantic chicken mascot "Cluck Norris," is returning under new ownership with the same vibe, but a different concept.

There's one big change: Barbecue is off the table, at least for now.

While a change of hands for the restaurant – once known for its tender, juicy barbecue meats and homemade sides – promises a different look, new owner Tommy Alonso told the Tallahassee Democrat this his ultimate desire is to "keep the tradition going."

But don't panic. Barbecue is up for reconsideration once Alonso gauges "'how things are going." The plan for now is to start slow.

"I try to succeed at everything," Alonso said, adding he is "very open to criticism, because that's the only way you get better."

Alonso's Cuban flair, including authentic sandwiches and empanadas, as well as traditional bar fare and booze can be anticipated for the restaurant's revival in the fall.

Live music will still be offered, with Alonso even planning to add a Latin night into the mix.

"I was going to bring some pool tables, video games, some arcade games for the kids. Maybe like some pinball machines, a little bit of music, a jukebox," he said.

Alonso emphasized his desire to keep the aspects that people adored about the restaurant's friendly, homey spirit while adding a touch of his own ideas to create a staple establishment he hopes his children will be able to operate one day.

He says he's excited to take his first step into the restaurant industry: "I've never had a chance and opportunity until now." To be sure, he's been cooking all his life. When he feeds others, he hears, "you should open something up ."

Red Shed's recent closing left customers crushed

In April, the eatery on Crump Road at U.S. 90 East left many patrons heartbroken when former owner Mark Allewelt alerted friends and followers on Facebook that its run had come to an end after more than five years.

"We are not planning to reopen at this time," the April 28 post said. "As some of you know, The Red Shed is for sale & we have been putting the word out for quite some time. We would like for someone in the biz to buy it & keep it kind of the same."

Alonso, a friend of Allewelt who fell in love with the joint, was among those devastated.

"They opened up their arms, the hospitality, the family lifestyle on the weekends, everything was like, wow, this is what I was missing," Alonso said about discovering the restaurant after relocating from Miami to Tallahassee. "Since I was from New York (state) originally, Larchmont in the suburbs, we have a lot of that country lifestyle, and I haven't seen that in Miami."

Outside of barbecue platters, the restaurant was known for its craft beer, live music, friendly faces and community-centric events and fundraisers.

With over 1,000 reactions, others were able to share their anticipation for the restaurant's reopening after a friend of Alonso's posted the news on the social media food group, Tallahassee Foodies.

One user said, "I've been waiting to see what's up with that place. Red Shed is right next to me! I look forward to this!" And another said," That's wonderful! That establishment is greatly missed out here!"

CORRECTION : The name of The Red Shed's new owner, Tommy Alonso, was misspelled in an earlier version of this story.

Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at ksanford@tallahassee.com . New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know!

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee, remember The Red Shed? It's making a comeback under new ownership