The Barefoot Restaurant in Hardin received some new deep fryers this week– a promising sign for the business’ new owners who have been forced to delay opening partially due to shipment delays. (Submitted photo)
By Carissa Sitki
Continued equipment delays have again pushed back the opening of The Barefoot Restaurant in Hardin.
Owners, Brian Matthews and Kelly and Phil Sievers, purchased the restaurant in September of last year— it had been closed since the 2019 floods. They had hoped to open Barefoot for business at the end of May, or early June, but due to slow equipment shipments and other delays, they are not yet serving up those beloved Barefoot recipes.
These setbacks are temporary, as the Barefoot is still set to make its great return this summer, though some of the equipment isn’t set to arrive until mid-July.
“Some of our equipment delivery dates have been pushed back to mid July,” said the owners in a Facebook post. “Considering the equipment delays among other issues, we can’t give you an opening date.”
Despite not yet having a timeline for opening day, Matthews and Sievers shared some good news—they received some equipment this week. The Barefoot now has deep fryers— a must-have for the signature fish and chicken the restaurant is known for.
The owners expressed that they are saddened by the delay, but remain optimistic and thankful that the community has stuck by their side the whole time.
“Words can’t describe how disappointed we are with the time it is taking to open our doors to all of you,” they said. “We appreciate your patience and support.”
The Barefoot Restaurant’s new location will be 106 Water St. in Hardin.
