Midwood Smokehouse, the Charlotte, North Carolina-based restaurant known for its regional-style barbecue, announces the grand opening of its second location in the Queen City. The new restaurant is located in the Toringdon Circle Shopping Center at 12410 Johnston Road within the Ballantyne neighborhood of south Charlotte. After the recent sale of the Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar concept, FS Food Group CEO and Midwood Smokehouse founder Frank Scibelli revealed plans to open additional Midwood Smokehouse locations throughout the Carolinas, targeting a total of six or seven restaurants by the end of 2016.
“Even before we opened the doors to the second Ballantyne location, we received an overwhelming response from our neighbors who were eager to have a Midwood Smokehouse nearby,” says Scibelli. “We continuously seek inspiration from and consult with the top pitmasters around the country in order to offer guests truly authentic barbecue experiences, and I feel that other markets in the region will welcome the concept with open arms.”
Scibelli is negotiating a lease for a third Midwood Smokehouse location in Columbia, South Carolina, and conducting site selection in Huntersville and Mooresville, North Carolina. The restaurateur has a history of creating, nurturing, and selling successful concepts, most recently with Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar and previously with Cantina 1511.
“I want to thank our loyal patrons and dedicated staff for truly bringing the Bad Daddy’s concept to life; I know the quality and integrity of the brand will carry on in good hands,” adds Scibelli. “The sale aligns with the long-term strategy for FS Food Group, and we are excited about what the future has in store as we continue to invest in our beloved Midwood Smokehouse concept among other things on the horizon.”
The new 5,400-square-foot, Midwood Smokehouse restaurant in Ballantyne seats 203 and boasts an outdoor patio, semi-private dining room, enhanced bar area, and a revamped kitchen layout to better accommodate Midwood Smokehouse’s expanding catering business. The new location continues to provide the same amazing food, warm service, and funky vibe that guests have come to know and love about the original Plaza Midwood location. Barbecue gurus rejoice over Midwood Smokehouse’s menu offering of slow smoked meats in classic regional styles, including real Texas-style sliced beef brisket, tender Carolina pulled pork, St. Louis-style pork ribs, and smoked sausage with a perfect snap.
Midwood Smokehouse-Ballantyne hired 55 employees to round out its staff of servers, line cooks, hosts, and bartenders, as well as management positions. Executive chef Paul Cruz will oversee operations for the Ballantyne Midwood Smokehouse location while Pitmaster Matt Barry continues to oversee operations for the original Midwood Smokehouse location.
Midwood Smokehouse recently received two of Charlotte Magazine’s 2015 “Best of the Best” Awards, including Editor’s Pick for “Best Barbecue” and Voters’ Choice for “New School Barbecue Joint.”
