Austin's Franklin BBQ is known for being one of the best eateries in Texas. Its popularity has grown rapidly since the restaurant opened its doors in 2009, causing hundreds to wait in line for hours each day just to get a taste of their famous food.
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Back in March 2015, it was reported that famed rapper Kanye West tried to use his high-profile status to jump in front of the establishment's massive line. He was immediately turned away.
"Kanye West wanted to cut the line and we didn't let him," Benjamin Jacob, the restaurant's general manager, told the New York Times. "Everybody's equal."
https://twitter.com/nytimes/status/692378041851387904/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
In 2016, the Times reported on the restaurant's growing appeal, which has caused many to sell their spots in line for hundreds or thousands of dollars. Some locals even used Franklin's massive lines to their advantage by becoming "professional line-holders," which charge fees in exchange for a good spot in line. A local 13-year-old started a service called "BBQ Fast Pass."
In October, Franklin BBQ finally banned the practice of line-holding completely. "We owe it to the rest of our faithful customers to not allow the distraction," owners Aaron and Stacy Franklin told Eater. "We prefer to serve our customers in house, and not to have a second party representing our food and brand."
So far, the restaurant owners say only one person has been allowed to skip the line -- President Barack Obama. It's unclear if West decided to head to the end of the line, but my guess is that he opted for the next best thing.
This article was originally published in 2016.
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