2012.01.17
More BBQ news: Bastians to reopen, Henry’s Memphis under new ownership
Last week we talked a lot about the closing of Pitt Boss BBQ.
This week I bring you more barbecue news.
Bastians is reopening within a month, according to owner Chris Bastian. He closed the Salem restaurant in 2010, citing the economy, and began selling his hickory-smoked pork from a mobile concession vehicle. He said customers have been pleading with him to reopen the restaurant on Apperson Drive, so he thought he’d try it again. The reopened restaurant will have a smaller buffet and a smaller menu.
You can also look for big changes to come soon to Henry’s Memphis BBQ on Brandon Avenue, across from Towers Shopping Center. The business was recently sold to Murray Greenberg, who said he has years of experience in the food business in Washington D.C. His plans for the restaurant include changing the name to Big Lick Barbecue, enclosing the deck at the back of the restaurant, improving the parking lot and landscaping, and adding to the menu (wine and beer will be among a few new items). If you’re a fan of the barbeque, no worries. Greenberg said he’s not changing the recipe.
You can find more details on Bastians and Henry’s Memphis BBQ in Sunday’s Retail Roundup column.
What do you think of the name Big Lick Barbecue? Are you happy to see Bastians reopen?
Not a fan of Big Lick but a fan of Barbecue, but who cares.
Comment by Uptheriver — January 17, 2012 @ 10:22 am
Okay, Chris… here’s your “The Graduate” moment: I just want to say one word to you. Just one word. Hours.
Comment by Spiny Norman — January 17, 2012 @ 11:54 am
Oh… and no gift cards.
Comment by Spiny Norman — January 17, 2012 @ 11:54 am
I’m not a big fan of the phrase “Big Lick” – outsiders don’t get it.
Comment by Michelle — January 17, 2012 @ 1:00 pm
Amanda, do you have any updates on the South Peak development? If my mind serves me correctly, construction was planned to start on some part of the site this winter.
Comment by Roa10 — January 17, 2012 @ 3:54 pm
@Roa10: You’re right. I was at an event there in early December, when they began pouring foundations for the condos. The latest we’ve reported on the development is this. Also, the developer has said that Hilton Garden Inn has signed on.
Comment by Amanda Codispoti — January 17, 2012 @ 4:07 pm
I think that Big Lick BBQ sounds all right. Henry’s has some really good “Q” but I never have really liked their sides. I saw Henry a couple of times when he had a place in Salem. He always came across to me as the quintessential business man regarding customer service. Welcomed you in, friendly service, and “thanks for coming in” when you were leaving.
I’m glad Bastion’s is re-opening. I didn’t go there all that often but they will be the closest BBQ to us when they are open again. The food and prices there were always at least decent. And the bldg. is just sitting there empty right now, a waste!
Comment by Dennis — January 17, 2012 @ 4:39 pm
I would be happy if these local BBQ places would take a look at their Southern brethren, and notice they sell their sandwiches individually. No “platter”s, no “combo”s, just sandwiches. I want to be able to come in and get a sack of 3, 4, or 5 BBQ sandwiches, and nothing else. I come for the pork, not the fries, not the hush puppies, not for the cup of heated sauce.
Comment by Eb Andyton — January 17, 2012 @ 5:45 pm
Exactly what we need for Roanoke, more BBQ places. I do enjoy a dish from Blues BBQ downtown occasionally, however I wish Roanoke would get more French restaurants, maybe a wine bar, rather than so many of these ordinary BBQ eating establishments. Vapiano would be awesome. Will it ever happen in Roanoke? Probably not.
Comment by Levi — January 17, 2012 @ 6:30 pm
Amanda…i got an email from fleet feet saying they were moving to the play it again sports location on 220. Good for them, but where is the used sports store going?
Comment by katie — January 17, 2012 @ 7:21 pm
Eb has a point about barbecue joint menus. They should follow the lesson of hot dog stands – less is more. Minimalist on the sides, and focus on the meat.
Comment by abdnva — January 18, 2012 @ 5:57 am
Perhaps they could put the French restaurant somewhere inside the Art Museum?
Comment by Lily Whyte — January 18, 2012 @ 7:59 am
To God Be the Glory BBQ in Salem is by far the best in the valley. Any news if Dennis and Jackie Norwood will bring their mobile stand back this year? Or better yet – will they open a restaurant?
Comment by Kathy — January 18, 2012 @ 9:22 am
@katie: I talked to the owners of Fleet Feet and Play It Again Sports on Tuesday. Play It Again is moving to Madison Square on Electric Road, where Plato’s Closet moved earlier this year (also the former locations of Texas Steakhouse and Direct Buy, if that’s of more help). I’ll work on getting a blog post up about this today.
Comment by Amanda Codispoti — January 18, 2012 @ 10:02 am
I just noticed a BBQ place in Rocky Mount called Two by Two BBQ–although I’m not 100% of the exact name. It’s located in the movie theater strip mall and is where the sports bar used to be. Wasn’t sure if you already knew this or not.
Comment by Shari — January 22, 2012 @ 5:00 pm
@Shari: I hadn’t heard about that. Thanks for letting me know.
Comment by Amanda Codispoti — January 23, 2012 @ 9:38 am
@Shari…2 by 2 BBQ is amazing! One of the nicest cleanest and yummiest BBQ in the area! I am hoping Big Lick will be great too! I think we need some new talent in the area and hopefully not the same tired folks opening up eateries! Check out 2 by 2 for sure! It’s worth the drive from Roanoke!
Comment by Angelina — January 26, 2012 @ 11:45 am
Big Lick BBQ has where u can go in and get just pork sandwiches and you get a great deal of meat on them they have great and friendly employees. They are also working on finishing the deck outside. Big Lick is a clean place as well go and try them out and check out there facebook and twitter page always keep you up to date on whats going on.
Comment by Tabatha — March 6, 2012 @ 11:56 pm