FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) -- After more than a decade of business, Shigs In Pit will be closing its original location that launched the barbeque restaurant in 2012, the company announced on Facebook Tuesday. The closure will be effective Jan. 18. In the Facebook post, Shigs In Pit partially attributed the decision to soaring rent costs. "Our lease is set to expire this year, and with the cost of our rent tripling last year, challenges of an old building and a smaller parking lot, it does not make sense for us to keep operating at this location any longer," part of the post read. Sonic Drive-In returning to Auburn after 15 years The restaurant described its original spot as the "heart and soul of our operations" and thanked customers for their support. "The Fairfield location will always hold a special place in our hearts as the birthplace of Shigs In Pit, and we thank everyone who has been part of its journey over the years," the post continued. According to the Facebook post, Shigs In Pit is working with employees affected by the decision to either relocate them or assist them with finding another job. Shigs In Pit noted the Fairfield Avenue location has been the "hub" of its catering service, and the company plans to consolidate those services to its other locations on Illinois and Maplecrest roads.