‘The Best BBQ Period.’ Popular Charlotte-area BBQ chain to expand with new location.

Joe Marusak
·1 min read

A Charlotte-area barbecue restaurant chain plans to grow this year with a Lake Norman location.

As crews from a local gutter company on Wednesday work on the roof of a former Sonny’s BBQ, signs already are advertising The Smoke Pit Restaurant coming to that site at West Plaza Drive (N.C. 150) in Mooresville, off Interstate 77 Exit 36.

The Smoke Pit Restaurant will expand with this location in the former Sonny’s BBQ on West Plaza Drive in Mooresville, off Interstate 77 Exit 36 at Lake Norman.
The Smoke Pit Restaurant will expand with this location in the former Sonny’s BBQ on West Plaza Drive in Mooresville, off Interstate 77 Exit 36 at Lake Norman.

The company anticipates opening in Mooresville by the end of 2024, management told The Charlotte Observer on Wednesday.

The Smoke Pit also has locations on West Roosevelt Boulevard in Monroe; Cox Road in Gastonia; and Faith Road in Salisbury.

Meats at the Smoke Pit Restaurant Concord location.
Meats at the Smoke Pit Restaurant Concord location.

The restaurant smokes its meat “slow and low” for up to 18 hours daily with local hickory, according to its website, The Smoke Pit Online.com. The meat is butchered in the U.S. and is of “the best quality,” the website says. “The Best BBQ Period.”

“Since opening its doors in December 2014, The Smoke Pit has grown from serving 30 people a day to about 700,” Charlotte 5 reported about the Concord location in 2019. “The barbecue spot has also been listed as one of the top places to visit when visiting Concord, as well as the best restaurant in Cabarrus County.”

A rather giant BBQ sandwich is shown at The Smoke Pit Restaurant Concord location.
A rather giant BBQ sandwich is shown at The Smoke Pit Restaurant Concord location.

“The Smoke Pit is a restaurant the entire family can enjoy,” CharlotteFive reported. “The menu boasts options for the most ardent barbecue connoisseur, including sandwiches, barbecue plates, combination plates, ribs, wings, salads and spuds.

“To go alongside the meal are a variety of sides such as mac and cheese, fried okra, and collards. The Smoke Pit also includes a kids’ menu with grilled cheese, pork sliders, and chicken tenders.”

Meats slow-cook for up to 18 hours daily at The Smoke Pit Restaurant in Concord.
Meats slow-cook for up to 18 hours daily at The Smoke Pit Restaurant in Concord.