Lannie’s Bar-B-Que celebrates reopening with ribbon cutting, music and food

The family and owners of Lannie’s Bar-B-Que held a grand reopening celebration on Dec. 2 to officially celebrate their newly rebuilt restaurant that replaced the original that was badly damaged in the Selma tornado nearly two years ago.

After an official ribbon cutting, attendees enjoyed music, door prizes and, of course, barbecue.

The previous building was severely damaged by the EF-2 tornado that hit Selma on Jan. 12,2023. The family was planning to renovate before the storm, so they decided to demolish the old restaurant and construct a new building in its place at the same location at 2115 Minter Ave. in Selma. 

The new building has several improvements, including a dining room that can accommodate 150 people, five times the number who could be seated in the previous building.

Lula Hatcher said she was 12 years old when her mother Lannie Travis opened the restaurant 80 years ago. “There were tough times, but you (the customers) kept on coming,” Hatcher said. She was joined by her son Floyd and daughter Deborah to cut the ribbon and celebrate the special day.  

Floyd Hatcher is now co-owner, and he operates the iconic restaurant. Like his mother, he thanked God for the new store and all the customers who have supported his family over the years.

Dallas County Probate Judge and Commission Chairman Jimmy Nunn pointed out that the Hatchers could have chosen not to rebuild, but they did. “It’s a great thing we have a business that has survived 80 years,” Nunn said. “It’s because they have great food and great service.”

Lannie’s actually reopened the new restaurant in June, but the family said the ribbon cutting was a way to thank the community.