When people think about barbecue, they often think about slow cooking from the South. A new restaurant coming to Cranbrook Village Shopping Center confounds both ideas. Though
Old Carolina Barbecue offers southern-inspired cuisine, the growing franchise began in Ohio and offers it up fast-casual style. With plans to open in mid- to late February, the Old Carolina Barbecue will be the chain's first in another state.
"Expanding into neighboring state is a logical move for Old Carolina, wherein we are able to use much of the existing supply chain," says local franchisee Nick Ferris. "The fact that I was a resident in the local market, familiar with the business community, coupled with Ann Arbor being the premier and preferred market location for most restaurateurs and retailers entering the Michigan market, made sense to focus our efforts here."
The 3,315-square foot restaurant will will share a building with Potbelly and Tony Sacco's Coal Oven Pizza on Eisenhower Pkway. Ferris says the location was ideal because it is in the Briarwood economic trade area with a number of complementary co-tenants nearby in the Cranbrook Village Shopping Center. He believes the tastes of local diners will be a great fit for the menu.
"The local consumer has a discerning…appetite," Ferris says. "While there are some places for barbecue in the local market, there is no fast casual environment. We believe the concept, and the exceptional food will be well received in this underserved category."
Ferris expects to employ 30 to 35 workers when the Old Carolina Barbecue opens early this year. He anticipates the restaurant becoming an active supporter of the Ann Arbor community.
Source: Nick Ferris, Old Carolina Barbecue
Writer: Natalie Burg
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