Dig into brisket, wings and more at this new barbecue restaurant in Lake Norman
A new barbecue restaurant is now open in Denver, fusing the flavors of Texas and North Carolina together to serve competition-winning brisket, pulled pork and chicken.
Family owned Tex-A-Lina Barbecue — which got its start as a food truck — has taken over the former Daddy K’s BBQ Catering Co. space. But never fear, you can still find the barbecue trailer at brewery pop-ups and special events in the Lake Norman and Charlotte areas, too.
“We’re waiting on everybody,” owner Marco Brito told CharlotteFive recently. “Half the city of Denver already came last weekend. Just be patient with us — we’ll make it happen.”
The road to owning a brick-and-mortar restaurant has been long for Brito, who fought through chemotherapy for liver cancer, then used his recovery time to perfect his barbecue technique and sauces. Eventually, he hit the barbecue competition circuit and found success.
“It’s been rough to say the least — it’s been very spiritual for me. … My son pushed me to start this,” Brito said. Now, he’s working with his son, also named Marco, and a team of close-knit friends to feed hungry customers.
The food: In the short time the restaurant has been open, the brisket has quickly become Tex-A-Lina’s No. 1 seller. “I think it’s unique,” Brito said. “It comes from Texas, but we put our own spin on it with a six-blend rub instead of just salt and pepper. We flavor and season it to where it doesn’t need anything.”
The smoke-fried wings and flatbreads — available with BBQ brisket or Buffalo chicken — have also proven popular. But whole hog barbecue has Brito’s heart. He plans on teaming up with his friends at Eleven Lakes Brewing to do a whole hog event with beer on tap once a month when the weather warms up, so the Lake Norman community can gather together for the experience.
Side dish options include housemade mac and cheese, street corn off the cob with a spicy Cajun seasoning and Parmesan, sweet potato casserole with oat and sugar topping, green beans, smoked baked beans, coleslaw, fries and side salads. Collard greens are on the way, as well.
The space: The 1,200-square-foot restaurant offers counter service and family-style seating in a casual space where you can eat while you watch TV. The decor features pops of bright color and positive quotes throughout, and you’ll even find Brito’s competition barbecue awards on display.
“It’s a fun atmosphere to be around,” Brito said.
Tex-A-Lina Barbecue Co.
Location: 6109 NC-16 Business, Denver, NC 28037
Cuisine: Barbecue
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday from noon-5 p.m.
Instagram: @texalinabbqcompany
This story was originally published January 11, 2023 at 5:45 AM.
