Barbecue Concept From South Carolina Expanding to Atlanta

A barbecue concept from South Carolina is expanding to Atlanta, with the third location of Lewis Barbecue coming next year to Piedmont Heights.

Founder and pitmaster John Lewis said they have had their sights set on Atlanta for quite some time.

“It’s got a pretty cool food scene, which is something I like if I’m gonna be spending time somewhere,” he told What Now Atlanta . “We’ll fit right into the mix.”

The restaurant will feature the concept’s signature Central Texas-style barbecue, including brisket, pork, turkey and more. Lewis said his personal favorite item is their Sunday special, the chicken fried steak. In addition to the regular menu items, they also plan to add more options along the lines of bar food to the Atlanta menu, like burgers, wings and salads.

Construction is underway now at the space at Ansley Mall, which will feature a large smokehouse with custom-made pits and expansive indoor and outdoor dining areas.

Lewis grew up in El Paso and relocated to Austin when he was 18 to start his culinary career. After spending time in Denver in the competition barbecue circuit, he returned to Austin to help open Franklin Barbecue , then partnered with LeAnn Mueller to launch La Barbecue . He then moved to Charleston, where he opened Lewis Barbecue in June 2016.

The Atlanta outpost will be the third location of Lewis Barbecue, which can also be found in Greenville. Lewis also owns Rancho Lewis , a Mexican restaurant in Charleston.

Lewis Barbecue at Ansley Mall is expected to open in summer 2025, and they’re scouting out locations to do pop-ups this fall to introduce themselves to the Atlanta community. But for those who can’t wait that long, the Greenville restaurant is about a two-hour drive from the city.

Need extra incentive?

“It’s much cooler there in the summer than in Atlanta,” Lewis said.

Follow on Instagram @lewisbarbecuechs for updates.

Keep up with What Now Atlanta’s restaurant, retail, and real estate scoop by subscribing to our newsletter , liking us on Facebook , and following us on Twitter . Opening a restaurant? Browse our Preferred Partners .