Fenton, MI — June 26, 2022
If you drove over to Beale St. Smokehouse BBQ this weekend you might have been surprised to see their location next to the Sunoco Station on North Road is vacant. There is a sign on the door that directs you to their new home.
Personally, there was a certain charm to the converted repair shop that housed the restaurant since its opening. You could envision the old concrete floor having lifts where oil changes and service repairs were performed.
However, there were some challenges with the repurposed facility. Seating was limited, the bar could only accommodate a few patrons, the stage for the live bands was intimate, to say the least, and the place shared a parking lot with a trucking company. Who cares the food was great.
New Address
Moving a restaurant can be a scary proposition, will the clientele follow, and will the new area embrace the brand? No worries for Beale St. Smokehouse BBQ, the staff says business has doubled since opening at 1492 N. Leroy, Fenton, just a few weeks ago.
Does that address sound familiar? The location formerly housed another iconic Fenton eatery, Johnny’s Pizzeria.
The first advantage of the new digs, More Room! Walking in the front door you find a large casual dining area with plenty of seating. Those who come on Friday and Saturday for the live blues music also have a separate dining area twice the size of the one at the old gas station. The bar is well-stocked, capable of hosting large groups, and adjacent to the stage where the bass player will not have to dodge the sticks of the drummer.
New home, but the same great food. Pulled park sandwiches are awesome, my personal favorite. Ribs, chicken, brisket, and sausage, are all slow-cooked over select hardwoods that give it Beale Street’s distinctive flavor. Add the sides like cornbread, green beans, cole slaw, collard greens, sweet potato fries, mac and cheese, and of course, their tasty baked beans. It’s mouth-watering Southern Style Memphis BBQ like you were sitting on Beale Street trying to catch a glimpse of Elvis.
Take Out & More
Yep, take-out is still available with its own side entrance to step in and pick up your food. With the expanded footprint of the building, you can now book private parties, receptions, business meetings, or any gathering that would enjoy a southern home-cooked BBQ meal.
Stop in today, and notice the prices are still family-friendly, the food is still great, and the atmosphere won’t remind you of tires and brakes. For catering inquiries call 810-750-0507.
