Sophie Bennett
Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q, a beloved North Carolina institution, traces its roots back to a humble beginning in 1977. The very first Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q restaurant opened its doors in Smithfield, North Carolina, a fitting birthplace for a brand that would become synonymous with delicious, slow-cooked barbecue and crispy fried chicken. This original location, still operating today, holds a special place in the hearts of locals and barbecue enthusiasts alike, serving as a testament to the enduring appeal of Smithfield's classic Southern flavors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Smithfield, North Carolina, USA |
| Address | 200 N 3rd St, Smithfield, NC 27577 |
| Year Established | 1977 |
| Founder | Pete and Doris Basnight |
| Type | Restaurant (Chicken and BBQ) |
| Known For | Eastern North Carolina-style BBQ, fried chicken, and traditional Southern sides |
| Significance | Original location of the Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q chain |
| Current Status | Operational, serving as a landmark in Smithfield |
| Coordinates | Approximately 35.5132° N, 78.3478° W |
| Nearby Landmarks | Close to the Ava Gardner Museum and Downtown Smithfield |
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What You'll Learn
Origins of Smithfield Chicken & BBQ
The origins of Smithfield Chicken & BBQ trace back to the small town of Smithfield, North Carolina, where the first restaurant was established in 1977. Founded by Pete and Doris Basford, the couple aimed to create a dining experience that celebrated the rich culinary traditions of the American South. Smithfield, already renowned for its pork industry, provided the perfect backdrop for their venture, which focused instead on slow-cooked barbecue and fried chicken. The Basfords’ commitment to quality and authenticity quickly set their restaurant apart, making it a local favorite and laying the foundation for what would become a beloved regional chain.
The first Smithfield Chicken & BBQ was located at 211 North Equity Drive in Smithfield, North Carolina, a modest yet strategically chosen spot that allowed easy access for both locals and travelers. The restaurant’s menu was rooted in time-honored recipes, featuring hand-breaded fried chicken, slow-smoked barbecue, and homemade sides like coleslaw and hushpuppies. The Basfords’ emphasis on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients resonated with customers, who appreciated the genuine flavors and hearty portions. This dedication to tradition and quality became the cornerstone of the brand’s identity.
Pete Basford’s vision extended beyond just food; he wanted to create a welcoming atmosphere that felt like a home-cooked meal shared with family. The first Smithfield Chicken & BBQ was designed with this in mind, featuring a casual, family-friendly dining space that encouraged patrons to linger and enjoy their meals. This focus on hospitality, combined with the restaurant’s mouthwatering offerings, quickly garnered a loyal following. Word of mouth spread, and soon, people from neighboring towns began making the trip to Smithfield to experience the Basfords’ culinary creations.
As the restaurant’s popularity grew, so did its reputation for excellence in Southern comfort food. The success of the original location paved the way for expansion, with additional Smithfield Chicken & BBQ restaurants opening across North Carolina and beyond. However, the first location in Smithfield remains a symbol of the brand’s humble beginnings and enduring commitment to its roots. Today, visitors can still enjoy the same classic dishes that made the restaurant famous, served in the same spirit of warmth and hospitality that Pete and Doris Basford envisioned over four decades ago.
The legacy of the first Smithfield Chicken & BBQ is a testament to the power of simplicity, quality, and tradition. It stands as a reminder that great food and genuine hospitality can transform a small-town restaurant into a cherished institution. For those curious about where it all began, a visit to 211 North Equity Drive in Smithfield, North Carolina, offers not just a meal, but a taste of history and a connection to the origins of a Southern culinary icon.
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First Location Established
The first Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q restaurant was established in Smithfield, North Carolina, in 1977. This inaugural location marked the beginning of a beloved regional chain known for its slow-cooked barbecue and Southern comfort food. The choice of Smithfield as the first location was no coincidence; the town is renowned as the "Ham Capital of the World" and has a rich culinary heritage deeply rooted in pork and barbecue traditions. Founders Larry and Delma Woodard envisioned a restaurant that would celebrate these local flavors while offering a family-friendly dining experience.
The original Smithfield location was strategically positioned to cater to both locals and travelers passing through the area. Situated along U.S. Highway 70, the restaurant quickly became a popular stop for those seeking authentic North Carolina barbecue. Its unassuming exterior and welcoming atmosphere reflected the Woodards' commitment to simplicity and quality, values that remain central to the brand today. The first Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q was more than just a restaurant; it was a community hub where neighbors gathered to enjoy hearty meals and share stories.
The menu at the inaugural location featured the now-iconic dishes that Smithfield's is famous for, including hand-chopped barbecue, fried chicken, and made-from-scratch sides like coleslaw and hushpuppies. The Woodards' emphasis on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients set the restaurant apart from competitors and helped establish its reputation for excellence. The success of the first location laid the foundation for future expansions, but it remains a testament to the brand's humble beginnings and enduring connection to its roots.
Today, the original Smithfield location continues to operate, serving as a nostalgic reminder of where it all began. Visitors can still experience the same traditional recipes and warm hospitality that defined the restaurant in 1977. Its address at 875 North Brightleaf Boulevard in Smithfield, NC, is not just a place on the map but a cornerstone of the brand's history. For fans of Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q, this first location is a must-visit destination to taste the flavors that started a legacy.
Instructively, the establishment of the first Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q in Smithfield, NC, was a deliberate decision to honor local culinary traditions while creating a space for community and comfort. Its location along a major highway ensured accessibility, while its focus on quality and authenticity cemented its place in the hearts of patrons. This first location remains a symbol of the brand's origins and a testament to the enduring appeal of good food and good company.
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Founding Year and History
The origins of Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q trace back to 1971, when its first location was established in Smithfield, North Carolina. This inaugural restaurant was the brainchild of Larry and Conger "George" Marlatt, who envisioned a place where locals could enjoy high-quality, slow-cooked barbecue and fried chicken. The Marlatt brothers, with their deep roots in the Smithfield community, aimed to create a dining experience that reflected the region's culinary traditions. The first Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q quickly became a local favorite, known for its signature dishes and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The founding year of 1971 marked the beginning of a legacy that would expand beyond its humble beginnings. The Marlatts focused on using time-honored recipes and locally sourced ingredients, particularly the famous Smithfield ham, which added a unique flavor to their barbecue. This commitment to quality and authenticity set the foundation for the brand's success. The first location, situated in the heart of Smithfield, became a gathering spot for families and friends, solidifying its place in the community.
As the years progressed, the Marlatt brothers worked tirelessly to maintain the integrity of their original vision while adapting to the evolving tastes of their customers. The early 1970s were a period of growth and experimentation, with the menu expanding to include a variety of sides and desserts that complemented their signature meats. This period also saw the establishment of the brand's iconic red-and-white color scheme and logo, which remain recognizable to this day.
By the mid-1970s, the success of the first Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q led to the opening of additional locations across North Carolina. However, the original Smithfield restaurant remained the cornerstone of the brand, symbolizing its roots and commitment to tradition. The Marlatts' dedication to their community and their craft ensured that the first location continued to thrive, even as the chain grew.
Today, the founding year of 1971 is celebrated as a pivotal moment in the history of Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q. The original location in Smithfield still stands as a testament to the Marlatt brothers' vision and hard work. It serves as a reminder of the brand's beginnings and the values that have guided its growth over the decades. Visitors to the first Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q can experience the same flavors and hospitality that made it a local institution more than 50 years ago.
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Original Menu Offerings
The first Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q opened its doors in 1970 in Smithfield, North Carolina, a town renowned for its rich pork heritage. While Smithfield is famously associated with ham, this beloved restaurant chose to focus on another Southern staple: perfectly fried chicken and Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue. The original menu offerings were a testament to simplicity, quality, and the region’s culinary traditions, designed to satisfy locals and travelers alike. At its core, the menu featured hand-breaded, pressure-cooked fried chicken, a technique that ensured juicy meat and a crispy exterior. This method, combined with a secret blend of spices, quickly became the restaurant’s signature dish.
In addition to the fried chicken, the original menu highlighted Eastern North Carolina barbecue, which is characterized by its whole-hog preparation and vinegar-based sauce. This style of barbecue, slow-cooked to perfection, offered a tangy and smoky flavor profile that complemented the richness of the fried chicken. The barbecue was served chopped, allowing customers to enjoy it on a sandwich or as a platter, often paired with soft, buttery hushpuppies—another Southern classic. These two main offerings were the heart of Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q, reflecting the founders’ commitment to authentic, regional flavors.
Side dishes on the original menu were equally traditional and carefully selected to enhance the main courses. Classics like creamy coleslaw, made with a hint of sweetness to balance the barbecue’s tang, and golden, crispy fries were staples. The menu also featured Southern-style green beans, slow-cooked with bits of ham for added flavor, and macaroni and cheese, baked to achieve a perfect crust. These sides were not just accompaniments but essential components of the meal, each prepared with the same attention to detail as the main dishes.
Desserts at the first Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q were simple yet indulgent, rounding out the meal with a touch of sweetness. The menu included classics like warm, flaky apple turnovers and rich, creamy banana pudding, both made in-house. These desserts were a nod to the comfort and hospitality that defined the restaurant’s atmosphere, ensuring customers left feeling satisfied and content.
Beverages on the original menu were straightforward, featuring sweet tea—a Southern necessity—alongside soft drinks and coffee. The sweet tea, brewed to perfection with just the right balance of sugar, became a signature drink, often enjoyed alongside the hearty meals. This focus on traditional, high-quality offerings helped establish Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q as a beloved institution, with the original menu serving as the foundation for its enduring success.
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Impact on Local Community
The first Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q opened in 1977 in Smithfield, North Carolina, a small town in Johnston County. Its establishment in this community had a profound and multifaceted impact on the local area, shaping both its economy and cultural identity. As a locally owned business, Smithfield’s prioritized hiring from within the community, providing stable employment opportunities for residents. This not only reduced local unemployment rates but also injected income into the regional economy, as employees spent their earnings at nearby businesses. The restaurant’s success fostered a sense of pride among locals, becoming a symbol of Smithfield’s heritage and a testament to the town’s ability to nurture homegrown enterprises.
Economically, the presence of the first Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q spurred growth in the surrounding area. Suppliers of fresh chicken, produce, and other ingredients often sourced materials locally, supporting farmers and producers in Johnston County and beyond. Additionally, the restaurant attracted visitors from neighboring towns and cities, boosting tourism and benefiting nearby gas stations, convenience stores, and other eateries. This ripple effect helped strengthen the local economy, demonstrating how a single business could catalyze broader development in a small community.
Culturally, Smithfield’s became a community hub, serving as a gathering place for families, friends, and local organizations. Its commitment to traditional North Carolina barbecue and Southern hospitality reinforced local culinary traditions, preserving a piece of the region’s cultural heritage. The restaurant also supported local events, schools, and charities, further embedding itself in the fabric of the community. This involvement not only enhanced its reputation but also fostered a sense of mutual support between the business and the people it served.
The restaurant’s success also inspired other local entrepreneurs, proving that small-town businesses could thrive with dedication and community focus. This encouraged the growth of additional locally owned establishments, diversifying the town’s economic landscape and reducing reliance on larger corporations. Smithfield’s model of prioritizing quality, tradition, and community connection became a blueprint for other businesses, reinforcing the value of local investment and sustainability.
Finally, the first Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q played a role in putting Smithfield on the map, increasing its visibility and recognition beyond North Carolina. This heightened awareness brought additional opportunities for the town, from tourism to potential business partnerships. By remaining deeply rooted in its community while achieving widespread acclaim, Smithfield’s demonstrated how a local business could positively impact its immediate surroundings while also gaining regional and even national attention. Its legacy continues to shape Smithfield’s identity, proving that a single establishment can have a lasting and transformative effect on its hometown.
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Frequently asked questions
The first Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q was opened in 1977 in Smithfield, North Carolina.
The original Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q was founded by Pete and Doris Basford in 1977.
Yes, the original location in Smithfield, North Carolina, is still open and serving customers today.
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