JoCo BBQ finally debuts in Raleigh. Here’s when you can score some burnt ends & ‘cue
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After fits, starts and staffing shortages, the smoke is returning to North Hills.
Nearly four years after its only barbecue restaurant closed, North Hills will add The BBQ Lab from popular Johnston County pitmaster Jerry Stephenson. The BBQ Lab will open its doors Wednesday, Nov. 9, for lunch at 11 a.m., completing a much anticipated two years renovation of the former Q Shack restaurant, which closed in 2018.
The BBQ Lab is a spin-off of sorts of The Redneck BBQ Lab in Benson, Stephenson’s first barbecue restaurant, opened alongside a gas station off of Interstate 40.
The popularity of the Redneck BBQ Lab led to this Raleigh spinoff, which continues the city’s barbecue trend. With the BBQ Lab, look for the a similar menu built around traditional smoked pork, Texas-style brisket, the wildly popular burnt ends and even a destination-worthy pastrami.
Open for real, but dinner is on hold
Initially, the BBQ Lab planned to open Oct. 26, but significant staffing issues threw some water on the restaurant’s coals, forcing a postponement of its grand opening.
Those staffing shortages continue, with the BBQ Lab planning to open with abbreviated hours, serving lunch and closing when the meat is sold out. That means dinner service is likely on hold for now.
For its opening, the BBQ Lab will serve Wednesday through Sunday, but plans to add hours for seven days a week soon.
How it’s different
The BBQ Lab was planned as a franchise version of the Redneck BBQ Lab.
Unlike its Benson cousin, the BBQ Lab added a deep fryer, meaning fries and hushpuppies are on the menu, as well as alcohol and a barbecue brunch.
Fans of those burnt ends can find them as a menu special on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Where to find it
The BBQ Lab is in North Hills in Raleigh, at 4120 Main at North Hills St. (upper level near the movie theater).
This story was originally published November 8, 2022 at 3:02 PM.
