BEST CASUAL DINING The Smoke Pit Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

Photo Courtesy: Michael A. Anderson Photography

Photo Courtesy: Michael A. Anderson Photography

BEST CASUAL DINING

The Smoke Pit: Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

BY: JASON HUDDLE

Photo Courtesy: Michael A. Anderson Photography

For the third, consecutive year, The Smoke Pit has garnered the adoration of Cabarrus Magazine readers to be named Best Casual Dining restaurant. With the constant number of customers, sometimes lined out the door, and a reputation that is quickly growing on a national scale. It’s no wonder why.

William “Joey” Graham first concepted his menu and restaurant, before opening his first location in December of 2014. They recently opened their fourth location in Gastonia, NC. From the onset, it was evident The Smoke Pit was a hit. Despite opening off Highway 29, in Concord, without the most prime of locations, customers started coming in by the droves. News quickly spread of the quality of the food and the time and care that went into its presentation, through social media. Since then, their following has remained steadfast. “Customers come back because they know that they will receive consistently great food and quality service,” remarked Catering Manager, Alan Bishop. Their first CM Readers Award, in 2017, was not their first acknowledgment by far. Shortly after their opening, The Cabarrus County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau awarded The Smoke Pit their Golden Helmet Award for Restaurant of the Year. More accolades from websites, such as YELP and Trip Advisor soon came in as well. In fact, as of press time, The Smoke Pit was listed as the top place

The top place to grab a “quick bite” in Concord, NC

to grab a “quick bite” in Concord, NC on Trip Advisor. Out of 675 total reviews on the popular travel review website, 632 have The Smoke Pit rated as either “Very good” or “Excellent”.

Recent review quotes include; “…the best BBQ I have had in the Carolinas.”, “Food was served quickly after ordering and was yummy good. The baked beans tasty and served hot, the cole slaw crisp and fresh. The burnt ends were tender and so so good. We sampled some of the BBQ sauces at the table with our lunch and enjoyed them all. My wife enjoyed her sandwich.”, “Love The Smoke Pit, but the brisket is the best...Pulled pork, jumbo wings, it’s all delicious. You can’t go wrong.” And, “Everyone loves this place!”.

If you visit one location, you haven’t necessarily visited them all. The menu can vary between locations, and, each location has its community in mind when establishing what it offers. “(Graham) has always been involved with different food concepts and all facets from menu design to chain operation to upscale and everything in between,” explained Bishop. However, one thing that is consistent is the food portions. “People that come to the Smoke pit should expect amazing food, large portions, and an affordable price,” Bishop added.

While many barbeque restaurants focus on their sauces, Bishop says their focus is on their specialty meats. “Instead of one sauce going on everything we have multiple items on our menus and multiple sauces to compliment each of them. Those recipes are what we’re famous for.” Put simply, The Smoke Pit’s specialty is smoked meat.

Cabarrus Magazine Publisher, Jason Huddle (left) celebrates The Smoke Pit's third consecutive win for Best Casual Dining with Catering Director, Alan Bishop (second from left) and members of his team.

Photo Courtesy: Michael A. Anderson Photography

“We think we won Best Casual Restaurant for the third year in a row because we have so many amazing customers that appreciate and support us in the communities we operate.” —Alan Bishop.

It’s that dedication to quality that keeps customers returning and they are the reason Bishop says The Smoke Pit continues to win Cabarrus Magazine Reader Awards year after year. “We think we won Best Casual Restaurant for the third year in a row because we have so many amazing customers that appreciate and support us in the communities we operate.”

As to what’s ahead for The Smoke Pit, Bishop says continued growth is not out of the question. “We now have a total of 4 stores in Concord, Salisbury, Monroe, and most recently Gastonia. Why we do not have a specific area targeted at this time we are on a growth pattern and expect to continue opening operations in this greater Concord area.”

So, while it is possible there could, one day, be Smoke Pit locations across the country, it will always be true it all started right here in Cabarrus County.