Lewis Barbecue Greenville sets opening date for restaurant at former Tommy's Ham House

Lillia Callum-Penso, Greenville News
·2 min read
Lewis Barbecue in Greenville will open Wednesday, Sept. 14.
Lewis Barbecue in Greenville will open Wednesday, Sept. 14.

Good things come to those who wait, and friends, Greenville has waited for Lewis Barbecue.

Now, the much-anticipated Greenville location of the famed Central Texas-style barbecue joint is ready to open. Lewis Barbecue Greenville will open at 214 Rutherford St., Wednesday, September 14.

It was on a cold Sunday in January 2021 when Tommy Stevenson announced he’d be closing his iconic restaurant, Tommy’s Country Ham House after nearly 40 years. And it was on a warm May Saturday that same year when John Lewis, owner of Lewis Barbecue officially accepted the restaurant in a symbolic passing of the torch ceremony.

More: What will Greenville lose when Tommy's Country Ham House closes?

More: It's official: Lewis Barbecue will open in Greenville at Tommy's Ham House location

Now, Lewis and his team are ready to add their own story to the space that has been a part of the story of Greenville for so long.

"That was one of the things that was alluring about this spot,” Lewis said at the passing of the torch ceremony in May 2021. “The tradition.”

The restaurant boasts a a large counter service area where guests can choose exactly what and how much if each item they want.
The restaurant boasts a a large counter service area where guests can choose exactly what and how much if each item they want.

The Lewis Barbecue team spent over a year renovating the iconic Ham House space to create their signature Central Texas-inspired barbecue restaurant. The design features counter service, a large bar, and lots of inside and outdoor seating, with design elements and ambiance to lend a laid-back feel, “an extension of their acclaimed Charleston location,” according to information shared by the company.

Lewis will bring seven of his custom smokers to Greenville (three more than he has at his Charleston location).

The Lewis Barbecue team spent over a year renovating the former Tommy's Country Ham House space.
The Lewis Barbecue team spent over a year renovating the former Tommy's Country Ham House space.

Menu-wise, guests can expect Lewis’ now legendary brisket, smoked meats, and sides like green chile corn pudding and cowboy pinto beans along with daily specials like chicken fired steak and prime rib dinner. In addition, the Greenville location will also feature a creative bar program with an extensive beer, wine, spirits and cocktail list.

While Lewis is known for its barbecue, most of the sides are vegetarian.

Lewis Barbecue Greenville will host its Grand Opening on Wednesday, Sept. 14, and will be open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, with daily service coming later in the fall.

For more visit www.lewisbarbecue.com

The Greenville location of Lewis Barbecue boasts a dedicated bar area in addition to an expansive dining room.
The Greenville location of Lewis Barbecue boasts a dedicated bar area in addition to an expansive dining room.

Lillia Callum-Penso covers food for the Greenville News. She loves the stories recipes tell and finds inspiration in the people behind them. When she’s not exploring local food, she can be found running, both for pleasure and to keep up with her 6-year-old twins. Reach her at lpenso@greenvillenews.com, or at 864-478-5872, or on Facebook at facebook.com/lillia.callumpenso.

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This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Lewis Barbecue Greenville opening date in Greenville at former Tommy's