Ricks BBQ of TN has recently purchased Thomas BBQ in Madison AL.  They plan to tear it down and build one of their new chain BBQ restuarants in its place.  On their website, Rick's appears to value their own history and tradition..referencing being open since 1979 and starting off in a small block and brick building - this sounds familiar. We'd lke to show them that the Madison community and all of the loyal Thomas BBQ customers value our history as well.  Thomas Pit BBQ is one of the oldest and most loved landmarks of Madison and we don't want to see it go. Why is tearing it down the only option? Renovate? If you don't want to continue to operate Thomas BBQ and refuse to save the building and the pit, at least let the community continue Thomas Pit BBQ somewhere else. Sell us the name and the recipes, we have investors waiting to hear from you. Many residents have expressed they will not go to Rick's and we agree!  This is about more than just great BBQ, this is about everything we love about Thomas's.  We have no problem welcoming Rick's to town, but tearing down Thomas Pit to do that will be a blow to the hearts of our community and a decision that we don't stand behind.