Popular Lake Norman barbecue spot won’t close after all. Here’s what will change

Mac’s Speed Shop in Cornelius isn’t going to close next week after all.

Last week, the Charlotte-based barbecue chain said it would close the Lake Norman-area location after 14 years on Nov. 24, CharlotteFive reported. Mac’s Speed Shop plans to open a Mooresville restaurant in the spring.

However, Mac’s president Shang Skipper told the Observer on Wednesday that the plan has changed after an outpouring from customers and staff sad to see it closing. Officials with Mac’s got together this week and found a way to keep 19601 Liverpool Parkway open until the Mooresville spot opens next year.

The Cornelius location will be more of a bar than restaurant, Skipper said. Instead of about 40 tables, there will be about seven. There will be fewer workers, though employees will be offered work at other locations. Most of the food will be cooked at a Charlotte location and brought there.

“It will be a mini version, like Mac’s pit stop,” he said.

The Cornelius location will be open for takeout only for lunch and open for dinner Tuesday-Friday and all day Saturday-Sunday.

Mac’s, which opened its first location in South End 16 years ago, is known for its award-winning barbecue sauce and meat, live music and dog-friendly patios. Other locations are in Steele Creek, Matthews, Greensboro, Fayetteville, Wilmington and Greenville, S.C. Another Mac’s restaurant will open next year in Fort Mill off S.C. 160, The Herald reported.

This story was originally published November 17, 2021 at 5:35 PM.