J. Stephenson Barbecue Company is proud to announce the opening of its new flagship restaurant located at 5531 Corporation Drive, Hope Mills, North Carolina.
Founded by North Carolina pitmaster and restaurateur Jerry Stephenson, J. Stephenson Barbecue Company represents the culmination of decades spent in competitive BBQ, restaurant operations and the pursuit of traditional BBQ craftsmanship. Known nationally as the founder of The Redneck BBQ Lab and a member of the championship-winning Redneck Scientific Competition BBQ Team, Stephenson has spent years helping shape modern competition-style barbecue while remaining deeply rooted in the traditions of North Carolina cooking.
“This project is personal to me,” said Stephenson in a press release. “For years, I focused heavily on growing businesses, managing operations and building brands. J. Stephenson Barbecue Company is a return to the part of barbecue I fell in love with in the beginning — cooking food with my own hands, staying close to the pits and creating something that fully reflects who I am and what I believe BBQ should be.”
The restaurant will feature a menu centered around wood-smoked meats, classic Eastern North Carolina influences, handcrafted sides, house-made sauces and recipes developed over decades of competition and restaurant experience. Guests can expect an approach that blends traditional BBQ techniques with the precision and consistency that became synonymous with Stephenson’s “BBQ science” philosophy.
The name “J. Stephenson” carries deep family significance, honoring multiple generations of the Stephenson family who helped shape the values behind the company. Located in Hope Mills, the restaurant also represents a continued investment in Cumberland County and the surrounding community.
The opening marks what Stephenson describes as “the final chapter” in his BBQ journey — a project built independently and intentionally from the ground up.J. Stephenson Barbecue Company plans to offer dine-in service, takeout, an on-site banquet room, catering, retail products and future branded merchandise.
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The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
