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I normally stop-off at a Smithfield's whenever I'm in the eastern part of the state and in the mood for BBQ and it always surprises me that there aren't any in Charlotte. I was wondering if people thought there'd be a market for one if they came here? I thought that there would be, since there wasn't a local chain in place that already dominated the market - in my opinion I see a couple of independents (Bubba's, Lancaster's etc) plus Sonny's.
I think one could survive in the right location, but it's nothing that great IMO. The fact that it's eastern style in the piedmont might help them stand out a bit.
I normally stop-off at a Smithfield's whenever I'm in the eastern part of the state and in the mood for BBQ and it always surprises me that there aren't any in Charlotte. I was wondering if people thought there'd be a market for one if they came here? I thought that there would be, since there wasn't a local chain in place that already dominated the market - in my opinion I see a couple of independents (Bubba's, Lancaster's etc) plus Sonny's.
Thoughts?
Smithfield's is unfortunately just roasted pork as opposed to actual BBQ (smoked over wood coals). For gas "faux" bbq in the eastern style, you can do just as well at Bill Spoons in Charlotte or Gary's Barbecue in China Grove. As for me, I make the 40-minute drive to Lexington Barbecue for real BBQ to get my fix in.
Smithfield's is unfortunately just roasted pork as opposed to actual BBQ (smoked over wood coals). For gas "faux" bbq in the eastern style, you can do just as well at Bill Spoons in Charlotte or Gary's Barbecue in China Grove. As for me, I make the 40-minute drive to Lexington Barbecue for real BBQ to get my fix in.
Well enjoy your ketchup based "BBQ".
I'd drive to Smithfield's if the came. I think their Q is fine and the Brunswick stew and potato salad are always my sides
Smithfield's is unfortunately just roasted pork as opposed to actual BBQ (smoked over wood coals). For gas "faux" bbq in the eastern style, you can do just as well at Bill Spoons in Charlotte or Gary's Barbecue in China Grove. As for me, I make the 40-minute drive to Lexington Barbecue for real BBQ to get my fix in.
For 25 years as I traveled back and forth up I-85, I never took time to eat at Lexington BBQ. I have heard so many good things about it. My wife finally stopped there and had a plate. To say I was disappointed was an understatement. I have never had such sorry BBQ. The meat was tough with a sizable helping of fat and grissle (sp). It was awful. In retrospect, I should have asked to see the manager, but the place was packed on a Friday evening the there was a long line for carry out. My mistake.
Murry's BBQ in Raleigh is one of the better places to get BBQ. Elliott's in Matthews used to be very good when they first opened, but after a co-owner dispute the guy who knew how to cook pork walked away and the place when downhill and is closed as far as I know. I will have to give Spoons a try and run up to China Grove to Gary's. I DO need a BBQ fix since I don't want to drive down east to Parker's BBQ, which is some of the best in the state.
I'd drive to Smithfield's if the came. I think their Q is fine and the Brunswick stew and potato salad are always my sides
Yeah - I would, too.
And in terms of a success or fail business proposition, I don't think that the pulling power of any existing BBQ restaurants is sufficiently strong to think otherwise.
For 25 years as I traveled back and forth up I-85, I never took time to eat at Lexington BBQ. I have heard so many good things about it. My wife finally stopped there and had a plate. To say I was disappointed was an understatement. I have never had such sorry BBQ. The meat was tough with a sizable helping of fat and grissle (sp). It was awful. In retrospect, I should have asked to see the manager, but the place was packed on a Friday evening the there was a long line for carry out. My mistake.
Murry's BBQ in Raleigh is one of the better places to get BBQ. Elliott's in Matthews used to be very good when they first opened, but after a co-owner dispute the guy who knew how to cook pork walked away and the place when downhill and is closed as far as I know. I will have to give Spoons a try and run up to China Grove to Gary's. I DO need a BBQ fix since I don't want to drive down east to Parker's BBQ, which is some of the best in the state.
Parker's BBQ is AWESOME.. I used to live 10 miles from there and ate their every chance I got!!
In answer to the OP, I'd go there if one was nearby. It is not the greatest but I like it enough to eat there.
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Lexington BBQ
