Durham

Florida BBQ Chain Opening Durham Location

Woody’s BBQ is expanding into North Carolina after operating in Florida since 1980.

Image from Woody's BBQ on Instagram

DURHAM, NC — Woody’s BBQ is preparing to open its first North Carolina location at 3500 N Roxboro St #2, Durham, NC 27704 in the Oxford Commons shopping center.

Franchisees Abby Haywood and her mother, Evangeline Smith, told Business Debut they are awaiting final state inspection and occupancy approval, with plans to open as early as March 1 and no later than March 15.

What to Expect

The 2,700-square-foot restaurant will offer 66 seats, including two- and four-top tables and booths that seat up to six guests. Service will operate in a hybrid model, allowing customers to order at the counter for takeout or be seated by a host with table service.

Woody’s BBQ was founded in Florida in 1980, built from founder Woody’s mother’s recipes. The Durham location marks the brand’s 10th overall and first in North Carolina, joining nine Florida restaurants.

Haywood said she signed a development deal to open three locations. The Durham restaurant is the first under that agreement.

Haywood said a major draw for bringing Woody’s to North Carolina was its Carolina vinegar-based barbecue option. “They actually have a sandwich that tastes like authentic vinegar-based barbecue in addition to the red sauces,” Haywood told Business Debut.

The menu includes brisket, spare ribs, pulled pork, Carolina-style barbecue with slaw, smoked chicken, turkey and wings. Guests can order plates as well as “feasts for two” and “feasts for four.”

Woody’s also offers a range of house-made sauces and seasonings, including signature spice blends and hot sauces. The Durham location will serve beer and wine but will not feature a full bar.

Haywood, a Raleigh native, said her upbringing around whole-hog roasts and traditional Eastern North Carolina barbecue influenced her desire to ensure the Carolina-style offering feels authentic to the region.

Opening Timeline

The team is awaiting final inspection and occupancy approval. If cleared promptly, the restaurant could open March 1, with a projected opening no later than March 15.