Ribbon cutting at Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q in Kinston, photo from https://www.scnbnc.com/

The Kinston Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q’s 40th location in Kinston.

“Today is a very special day. This is store number 40,” said Smithfield Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q President Lew Starling.

The event was attended by Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q owner Gregory Moore, Vice President Junius Moore, and President Lew Starling. Kinston-Lenoir Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Craig Hill and incoming Board Chairman Jess Edwards were present at the ribbon cutting. Mayor Don Hardy joined County Commissioner Linda Rouse Sutton in welcoming the newest restaurant to Kinston.

“It is always nice to have a new business opening in Kinston and Lenoir County, especially when it is a business as fine as Smithfield,” said incoming board chairman Jess Edwards.

Edwards was joined in welcoming the new business to Kinston by the mayor who looked forward to ordering.

“On behalf of the city of Kinston we do thank you for becoming a part of our great city,” said Mayor Don Hardy.

Initially set to open in June the opening date was moved back until September due to the impacts of COVID-19. The building was completed by Jackson Builders of Goldsboro after the demolition of the previous building that once housed an Applebees. Smithfield’s has invested 3.5 million dollars into their Kinston location to prepare for its opening day.

“The anticipation has been brewing for weeks and weeks and weeks. We welcome you all with open arms and are so excited and hope you are too,” said County Chairman Linda Rouse Sutton.

Located at 4483 US-70 in Kinston, the hours of operation are 10:00 am through 10:00 pm and will feature their traditional menu.

“You get a warm feeling when you come, and your next-door neighbor is Chick-Fil-A and they bring you cookies,” said Starling. “It doesn't get much better than that.”