Porkchop’s Barbecue Bringing Classic Barbecue to Lake Placid
The idea is to bring simple, straightforward barbecue back to Lake Placid.
LAKE PLACID, FL — Porkchop’s Barbecue, a new counter-service barbecue restaurant from owner Gage Pennisi, is targeting a January opening at 295 E Interlake Blvd, Lake Placid, FL 33852, he told Business Debut.
Pennisi is working through town and county approvals to convert the former non-restaurant space and complete health and fire inspections before opening.
What to Expect
Porkchop’s Barbecue will operate as a casual, counter-service spot. Guests will walk in, choose their meats at the counter, select from four or five sides, then take their trays to a small dining area.
The space will seat roughly 25 to 30 guests at about six tables, with additional capacity for takeout orders. Pennisi said the goal is a straightforward experience centered on smoked meats and classic sides.
Menu and Vision
Pennisi described the concept as “just a good simple barbecue,” focused on traditional smoked offerings for his hometown. The menu will feature beef brisket, pulled pork and jalapeño cheddar sausage made entirely in-house, including grinding, stuffing and smoking.
A poultry option is being considered, either chicken quarters or turkey breast, and Pennisi expects to run rotating specials over time. Lake Placid has been without a dedicated barbecue restaurant for several years after a long-running local spot burned down, and Pennisi said he wants to “bring barbecue back to the small town,” he told Business Debut.
Pennisi has no prior restaurant experience, having spent nearly two decades in technology and most recently working at Microsoft. After the passing of his mother, a layoff, and the death of his dog Porkchop, he decided to pursue barbecue full time. The restaurant is named in Porkchop’s honor.
Opening Timeline
Pennisi said he would love to be open before Christmas but sees that as aggressive given the buildout and inspections still underway. He is currently targeting a mid-January opening.
Hours
At launch, Porkchop’s Barbecue plans to open Friday through Sunday starting around 11:30 a.m. and serve until sellout, which Pennisi expects will generally fall between 7 and 8 p.m.
Longer term, he hopes to add Monday service if demand supports it. Tuesdays and Wednesdays will remain closed, with Thursdays reserved for smoking meats and weekly prep.
Follow for More
An official website is to be announced. Follow Porkchop’s Barbecue on Facebook for updates.
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