A sad farewell to Mitchell Hill BBQ, one of the city's favorite restaurants

The Mitchell Hill family in a farewell snapshot at the restaurant (Facebook)

ROCHESTER - A down economy and downtown parking were some of the factors that led Bob Benoit to close up shop, he told The Rochester Voice in an exclusive interview earlier this month.
Mitchell Hill Barbecue and Brew was a favorite dining destination for many Rochester-area residents, but Benoit said it comes down to can you get enough people in the seats to make a profit.
"A lot of people say there's no parking issues, but I know there is, because my customers tell me so," he said.
He said he'll continue to run the Roberge Center, which caters to special events like weddings, birthdays and other celebrations.
Mitchell Hill closed on Sept. 14, and there were many emotional moments in the final days of the restaurant.
"It's the friendships you make, that you lose, that's the hardest part," he said. "We were jammed up like cordwood after we announced we were closing."
Benoit added that he might consider opening another eatery in the city at a later point, but for now it was all about the financials.