One of the South’s best BBQ joints is opening in Raleigh. Here’s when
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Lewis Barbecue will open a Raleigh restaurant with a 1,625‑sqft smokehouse in 2026.
- Founder brings Texas pitmaster techniques and Michelin‑recommended pedigree to Raleigh.
- Salvage Yard strengthens its food destination status by adding Lewis Barbecue.
One of the best barbecue spots in the South is expanding to Raleigh with a new restaurant.
Lewis Barbecue, a revered Texas-style joint with locations in Charleston and Greenville, SC, will open a new restaurant in the Salvage Yard of Raleigh Iron Works.
“We are honored to bring our authentic Central Texas-style barbecue to Raleigh and join such a vibrant community at Salvage Yard,” said John Lewis, founder and pitmaster of Lewis Barbecue. “ A truly special space, Salvage Yard reflects our love for craftsmanship and connection to the community, and we look forward to serving up great food and fun times.”
The new Lewis Barbecue will be more than 8,000 square feet in size, with a separate 1,625 square foot smokehouse.
Michelin barbecue in NC
Before moving to Charleston a decade ago, John Lewis helped establish two of the biggest new school names in Texas Barbecue, helping out in the early days of Franklin and then La Barbecue, where he was a co-founder.
The arrival of Lewis means yet another Michelin Recommended barbecue spot will be in the Triangle, joining Prime Barbecue, Sam Jones BBQ, Dampf Good BBQ and The Pit as recent honorees.
Raleigh Iron Works and the Salvage Yard continue to flex their culinary might, emerging as one of the Triangle’s most foodie-centric developments.
Raleigh Iron Works restaurants
“The arrival of Lewis Barbecue at Salvage Yard reinforces our vision for this district as Raleigh’s next great destination for food and entertainment as we continue to grow an impressive tenant roster,” said Wendy Nabors, director of commercial leasing, Grubb Ventures in a release. “Lewis Barbecue brings an unmatched level of culinary credibility and character to the lineup, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them.”
The new Lewis Barbecue is expected to open in 2026. An Atlanta location is expected to open this December.
