Flame Tree Barbecue opened with the rest of Disney's Animal Kingdom on April 22, 1998 <ref> https://d23.com/a-to-z/flame-tree-barbecue/ </ref>. When the counter service restaurant opened, the land it was located in was known as Safari Village.
In 2015, Flame Tree Barbecue closed for a significant refurbishment <ref name= "wdwmagic"> http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/flame-tree-barbecue/news/30jun2015-photos---flame-tree-barbecue-is-back-open-with-new-enhancements-and-updated-menu.htm </ref>. During this time, the restaurant's ordering area was remodeled and covered. At this time, some of the walkways between the restaurant's seating pavilions were covered <ref name= "wdwmagic"/>. Furthermore, during this refurbishment, Flame Tree Barbecue's color scheme changed from bright abstract colors to more earthly tones <ref> http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2016/04/26/review-lunch-at-animal-kingdoms-flame-tree-barbecue-including-the-new-full-slab-of-ribs/ </ref>.
In 2016, Flame Tree Barbecue received expanded outdoor seating and covered walkways <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/flame-tree-barbecue/news/12dec2016-photos---expanded-seating-and-covered-walkways-at-flametree-barbecue.htm </ref>. These renovations were more or less and extension of the 2015 refurbishment.