Charlotte, NC, September 24, 2025
News Summary
Charlotte’s culinary landscape is changing with the closure of Smithfield Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q after over 40 years of service. This location on Trojan Drive is now sold to Panda Express. Meanwhile, Mac’s Speed Shop is set to open a new location in Concord, showcasing the dynamic nature of dining options in the region. As the community bids farewell to an iconic restaurant, excitement builds for new ventures, reflecting the evolution of Charlotte’s food scene.
Charlotte, NC is experiencing significant changes in its culinary landscape following the closure of Smithfield Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q‘s location on Trojan Drive. This restaurant, which has been a staple in the community for over 40 years, is known for its fried chicken and Eastern North Carolina barbecue.
The closure of the Charlotte location is part of a broader trend affecting other longtime restaurants in the area, such as Letty’s and Fenwick’s, which have also recently shut down. Smithfield has expressed gratitude to its loyal customers in the Charlotte area and plans to seek a more convenient location in the future. The address of the closed Smithfield location was 5121 Trojan Dr, Charlotte, NC 28278.
Following the closure, the building and land of Smithfield’s former location have been sold to Panda Express. The fast-food chain is currently expanding in the area, which includes recent openings in Rock Hill and future locations planned for Indian Land. DoorDash has also spotlighted the culinary scene in North Carolina by releasing a list of the best BBQ restaurants for delivery, highlighting two eateries in the Charlotte area that ranked among the top based on customer ratings and reviews collected from May 2024 through April.
Among the notable delivery locations is Midwood Smokehouse, which has multiple addresses in Charlotte and nearby areas. On a positive note for the local dining scene, Mac’s Speed Shop is set to open a new location in Concord, North Carolina, in October. This new venue, conveniently situated near Concord Mills Mall and accessible from I-85, is expected to attract both locals and visitors alike.
The new Mac’s Speed Shop will feature an outdoor patio for live music, fireplaces, and a special indoor/outdoor room and bar, offering a unique dining experience. The address for the new location will be 8021 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, NC. Mac’s Hospitality Group’s President, Tony Salerno, has expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming opening, emphasizing its appeal to the local community.
As Charlotte’s culinary scene sees these transitions, the community remains hopeful for new offerings like Mac’s Speed Shop while expressing nostalgia for the iconic Smithfield Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q.
FAQ
What restaurant closed its location on Trojan Drive in Charlotte?
Smithfield Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q has closed its location on Trojan Drive in Charlotte, NC.
What is the history of Smithfield Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q in North Carolina?
The restaurant chain has operated for over 40 years in the state with 41 locations.
What has happened to the building of the closed Smithfield location?
The building and land of Smithfield’s former location have been sold to Panda Express.
When is Mac’s Speed Shop planning to open its new location in Concord?
Mac’s Speed Shop plans to open a new location in Concord, North Carolina in October.
Where will the new Mac’s Speed Shop location be situated?
The new Concord location is situated conveniently near Concord Mills Mall, accessible from I-85.
Key Features of Charlotte’s Culinary Scene Changes
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closed Restaurant | Smithfield Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q location on Trojan Drive |
| History | Operated for over 40 years in NC with 41 locations |
| New Development | Mac’s Speed Shop set to open in October |
| New Location Address | 8021 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, NC |
| Outdoor Features | Outdoor patio for live music, fireplaces, and indoor/outdoor room and bar |
| Future Plans | Smithfield plans to find a more convenient location nearby |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Grand Opening of The River District in Charlotte
Whataburger Opens First Location in Charlotte
Charlotte Man Charged with First-Degree Murder After Daylight Shooting
Shooting Incident Shakes Uptown Charlotte During Lunch Hour
Whataburger Opens First Location in Charlotte
DaBaby Releases Controversial Music Video Tribute
Rock Hill Transforms with Innovative Food Hub
Charlotte Cancels Hispanic Heritage Festival Amid Immigration Concerns
The Eagle Charlotte Announces Closure of South End Location
Tragic Stabbing of Ukrainian Refugee Sparks National Debate
Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Smithfield Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q Closure
- Wikipedia: Charlotte, North Carolina
- Fayetteville Observer: New Barbecue Restaurant Proposal
- Google Search: North Carolina barbecue restaurants
- Charlotte Observer: Culinary Scene Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
- WSOC TV: Pharr Mill Brewing Co. Expansion
- Google News: Mac’s Speed Shop Concord
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
