Community Mourns Dosey Doe Owner Steve Said, Venue Listed for Sale

The Woodlands’ beloved Big Barn continues to host concerts, student banquets, and community gatherings as the Said family oversees operations and seeks the venue’s next chapter.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 6:00 a.m. —A wave of sadness swept through The Woodlands after the death of Steve Said, 72, the longtime owner and driving force behind the Dosey Doe Big Barn, a venue that became one of Montgomery County’s best-known stages for live music and Southern cooking.

Said passed away on September 28, according to a statement from the Dosey Doe family released Tuesday, September 30. The post described their heartbreak and asked for privacy as they mourn his loss. It also reassured fans that the venue would continue to operate and that funeral details would be announced later.

Venue Remains Open While Listed for Sale

Days after his passing, the Big Barn appeared on the public market through Commercial Professionals Real Estate. The property had been quietly available for several weeks before Said’s death, but his family decided to make the listing public to explore new possibilities for the space.

Adam Olsen, the broker managing the listing, said that operations are continuing as normal and that all shows remain scheduled. Upcoming performances are booked through July 2026, according to the Dosey Doe ticketing site.

“It’s a rare opportunity to take over a property that’s already known nationwide for its atmosphere and sound,” Olsen explained. “Everyone involved wants to see its tradition of music and friendship live on.”

The Big Barn’s Historic Roots

The barn that now stands beside Interstate 45 has a story of its own. Built more than 160 years ago in Kentucky, it was disassembled, moved to Texas, and rebuilt in The Woodlands plank by plank. When it opened in 2006, the Big Barn quickly became a community fixture—part restaurant, part listening room—where fans could hear major artists up close.

Said also operated two other Dosey Doe locations: a coffee shop in Alden Bridge and the Dosey Doe Breakfast, BBQ & Whiskey Bar on Research Forest Drive. The coffee shop continues to serve daily customers, while the Research Forest restaurant is currently closed pending future plans.

Remembering a Local Visionary

Local leaders and longtime patrons have spoken warmly about Said’s legacy. Woodlands Township Chairman Brad Bailey, who frequently attended concerts at the venue, said the entrepreneur changed the tone of local nightlife.

Since the announcement, hundreds of messages have appeared online, with musicians, fans, and staff sharing memories of late-night jam sessions, breakfast gatherings, and Said’s welcoming personality.

Although the Big Barn’s ownership may eventually change, its heart—the stage that brought people together—continues to beat.

By The Woodlands Student Center Staff