Jan 19

Jan 19 Neuse News Exclusive: Smithfield's Chicken and BBQ ready by June

Smithfield’s Chicken and BBQ prides itself on food that’s cooked fresh every day with nothing left over. Submitted photo.

Twenty-five new full-time jobs are coming to Kinston courtesy of Smithfield’s Chicken and BBQ increasing Smithfiled’s workforce to around 1,500.

“We’re so excited to be there and to be a part of the community,” said Lew Starling, president of Smithfield’s BBQ and Chicken.

Starling has been the president of Smithfield’s for two years and also has served as Mayor of Clinton for the last ten years.

Lew Starling, center, speaks with Dunn community leaders at a recent restaurant grand opening. Submitted photo.

He told Neuse News in an exclusive interview that their company plans to launch a new location in Kinston with a tentative opening date of late June 2020 to become their 40th location. New locations will also open in Clayton and Zebulon soon.

Smithfield’s is investing over $3 million in this venture as they begin demolishing the previous Applebee’s building in the next week or so and construct a floor plan proven successful in other locations. Jackson Builders of Goldsboro will be doing the construction.

Smithfield’s prides itself on being good corporate citizens in the communities where they’re located. From Little League to contributing a major gift to the Battleship of North Carolina, according to Starling, Smithfield’s presence in their communities is strong.

Smithfield’s Kinston location will have a similar floor plan as their new Dunn, NC restaurant. Submitted photo.

Smithfield’s has a good long-term relationship with its food vendors and will try to use local vendors as much as possible. Starling was quick to point out that their food is cooked fresh every day and nothing left over.

While always concerned about traffic patterns and ensuring the safety of his customers, Starling thinks the new location will be good to serve traveling customers as well as local ones.

“Kinston is in our geographic market and region. We’re in New Bern and Goldsboro, we just needed to find the right location in Kinston,” said Starling.