Longtime NC restaurant known for barbecue, fried chicken closes its Charlotte location
Smithfield Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q has closed its location on Trojan Drive in Charlotte.
The quick-service restaurant chain in North Carolina serves fried chicken and Eastern North Carolina barbecue, with 41 locations statewide. The company has operated across North Carolina for over 40 years.
“Our loyal customers have been so supportive of Smithfield’s in the Charlotte area,” a representative told CharlotteFive after confirming the closure.
“We thank all of our customers for their support. The building and land have been sold to Panda Express.”
Panda Express has been expanding in the area, with a recent location opening in Rock Hill and another one on the way in Indian Land. Other locations are operating in Charlotte, at Carowinds and in Concord, Huntersville and Kannapolis.
The Smithfield closure also comes at a time when several longtime restaurants have recently shuttered their doors in Charlotte — or are preparing to — including Letty’s on Shamrock and Fenwick’s.
This may not be the end of the Smithfield’s in Charlotte, however.
“We feel a more convenient location in the surrounding area would be better for our patrons. We look forward to returning to this area as soon as possible,” the company representative said.
Smithfield’s Chicken N’ Bar-B-Q
Location: 5121 Trojan Dr. Charlotte, NC 28278 (closed permanently)
Cuisine: Fried chicken & Eastern North Carolina-style BBQ