Owners of Charlotte barbecue joint ‘call it quits’ after more than a decade
A neighborhood barbecue joint is closing up shop in Charlotte after 15 years — well, sort of.
Wolfie’s Howlin Good Bar-B-Que will soon be “no more” as founders Michael and Angie Wolff plan their move to Raleigh, the couple said in a statement shared on the business’s Facebook page.
“Thank you to all who supported us for more than a decade,” they wrote. “This was a hobby that just continued to grow, and we couldn’t have asked for more success and acceptance. It has been a privilege to serve and know everyone.”
But this isn’t the end for the beloved barbecue business, which never had a brick-and-mortar and has largely operated as a caterer for birthday parties, weddings and other events.
Though the Wolffs are moving on, Wolfie’s will continue under new ownership, Michael Wolff told CharlotteFive.
“We’re moving to be closer to family,” he said, adding that his wife is from the Raleigh area and always planned to go back some day.
“Doors just recently opened up — she was offered a position. So, we just decided we’re gonna call it quits.”
What’s next?
What started as a pitch to sell barbecue plates at their neighborhood pool has since grown into a beloved community institution.
The Wolffs now plan to pass along their barbecue business to family friend Rick Hackett. He will retain the “Wolfie’s” name, along with the couple’s recipes, sauces and cooker, Michael Wolff said.
“We are happy to continue the tradition of Wolfie’s and look forward to serving our community with the same great barbecue for another 15 years and beyond,” Hackett told CharlotteFive.
Wolff said it still amazes him how popular his barbecue has become, but added: I “think we make the best pulled pork in Charlotte. And so do a lot of people.”
News of the closure rocked Davis General Store, where Wolfie’s set up shop weekly to sell its barbecue.
“For years our partnership brought the best bbq to our customers,” the general store wrote on its Facebook page. “We will miss Wolfie, not just for the bbq but for the time we spent together. We have been blessed to have you as a partner. “
Wolfie’s Howlin’ Good Bar-B-Que
Location: Mobile
Cuisine: Barbecue
Facebook: @bbqwilfies
This story was originally published November 3, 2025 at 9:08 AM.