Established
1964
Franchise Units
41
Minimum Investment
$650,000
Franchise Fee
$25,000
Total Investment Range
$1,200,000
Home Based
No
Description
Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q has grown from a beloved North Carolina eatery into one of the most recognizable regional fast-casual restaurant brands specializing in authentic Eastern-style barbecue and fresh, hand-prepared chicken. Known for its slow-smoked pork shoulders, signature fried chicken, scratch-made sides, and community-driven service model, Smithfield’s has built a reputation that blends Southern hospitality with dependable operational consistency.
The brand occupies a powerful niche in the American restaurant industry by offering affordable, family-friendly meals rooted in tradition—yet served at the speed and convenience today’s diners expect. From small towns to high-traffic suburban corridors, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q has become a trusted neighborhood staple, attracting loyal guests who return for its comforting flavors, generous portions, and warm customer experience.
For entrepreneurs seeking a proven, recession-resilient restaurant concept with strong brand recognition, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q stands out as a franchise opportunity built on decades of operational excellence and deep local trust.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q offers franchisees a differentiated position in the crowded fast-casual space by focusing on authentic regional cuisine that consumers cannot easily replicate at home. The combination of barbecue, fried chicken, and homestyle sides appeals to multigenerational audiences—from busy workers to families, seniors, and travelers.
The brand’s menu is simple, scalable, and engineered for operational efficiency, helping franchisees maintain consistency across dayparts and staffing levels. With strong average unit volumes, predictable food costs, and repeat customer traffic driven by decades of brand loyalty, Smithfield’s demonstrates a stable, franchise-friendly business model.
Franchisees benefit from a leadership team deeply experienced in restaurant operations, supply chain relationships, and territory growth strategies, making expansion straightforward for both single-unit and multi-unit owners.
Background
Established Year
Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q was founded in 1964 in Smithfield, North Carolina.
Founders
The brand was started by the Davis family, who built the concept around authentic Eastern North Carolina barbecue and freshly prepared chicken served with genuine Southern hospitality.
Brand Journey & Company History
Smithfield’s first opened as a simple, local barbecue eatery delivering homestyle meals made from scratch. Word of its slow-cooked pork, hand-breaded chicken, and warm customer service spread quickly, allowing the restaurant to expand throughout eastern North Carolina over the next several decades.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Smithfield’s restaurants began adopting a more cohesive format, improved kitchen systems, and a consistent fast-casual model. This helped the company strengthen its footprint across the state while building a loyal, multigenerational customer base.
As demand for authentic regional barbecue grew, Smithfield’s continued to modernize its operations while protecting the heritage of traditional Eastern-style barbecue—one of the hallmarks that sets the brand apart from national chains. Today, the company remains a respected market leader in the Southeast, continuing its mission to combine fresh ingredients, value, and Southern comfort in a fast-casual environment.
Franchise Active Units – Current Number
Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q operates 41 active locations across North Carolina, making it one of the most recognizable regional barbecue and chicken brands in the Southeastern United States.
Ownership
The company remains privately held, with leadership focused on measured, quality-driven expansion while preserving the values and culinary traditions the brand was built upon.
Market Presence in the USA
Smithfield’s is deeply rooted in North Carolina and has become a staple in local communities, travel corridors, and suburban markets throughout the state. Its strong brand recognition and proven operational model make it well positioned for expansion into neighboring Southeastern markets, where demand for authentic barbecue and fast-casual comfort food continues to rise.
Industry Category
Fast-Casual Restaurant, Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR), Barbecue Franchise, Chicken Franchise, Southern Comfort Food Segment.
Support Training
Pre-Launch Support
• Real estate guidance and demographic study for site selection
• Assistance with lease negotiations, permitting, and construction coordination
• Restaurant layout and architectural plans tailored for ideal kitchen flow
• Launch planning including vendor onboarding and equipment procurement
Operational Training
• Intensive multi-week training at an existing Smithfield’s restaurant
• Instruction in food preparation, safety, sanitation, quality control, and menu execution
• Hands-on management systems training for staffing, scheduling, inventory, and customer service
• Comprehensive operations manual for daily procedures
Marketing Support
• Grand opening marketing blueprint
• Local store marketing strategies customized for each community
• Social media guidance and brand asset library
• Ongoing seasonal promotions, limited-time menu items, and brand-wide campaigns
Academic & Administrative Support
• POS system training
• Accounting, payroll, and vendor management tools
• Technology integration for drive-thru, delivery, and online ordering
Ongoing Support
• Regular field visits and performance evaluations
• Menu innovation and supply-chain updates
• Annual franchisee meetings and peer networking
• Continuous training modules for new managers and staff
This structured support ensures franchisees operate with confidence from day one and maintain the consistency that has defined Smithfield’s success for decades.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q franchisee is an entrepreneur who values community, hospitality, and operational excellence. Strong candidates include:
• Individuals with prior restaurant or retail management experience
• Multi-unit operators looking to expand their portfolio with a stable, legacy-driven brand
• Investors committed to hands-on management or hiring a trained operational leader
• Entrepreneurs who appreciate Southern cuisine and want to build a community-focused business
• Owners with the financial capability to support construction, staffing, and local marketing
Ideal locations include high-visibility sites near residential communities, shopping centers, travel corridors, and underserved markets seeking a high-quality comfort-food concept.
Financial Detail
| Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $650,000 – $1,200,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $500,000+ |
| Net Worth Recommended | $1,000,000+ |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4% – 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Brand Fund Contribution | 1% – 2% of gross sales |
| Grand Opening Marketing Budget | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements & Build-Out | $250,000 – $550,000 |
| Equipment, Furniture & Fixtures | $200,000 – $350,000 |
| Kitchen & Ventilation Equipment | Included in equipment estimate |
| POS & Technology Systems | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Smallwares | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Signage & Exterior Branding | $10,000 – $40,000 |
| Working Capital (First 3–6 Months) | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Training Expenses (Travel, Lodging, etc.) | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Insurance, Licenses & Permits | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Expected Break-Even Timeline | 12 – 24 months |
| Projected ROI Timeline | 2 – 4 years |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-In, Drive-Thru, Catering, Delivery, Online Orders, Family Packs, Bulk BBQ Sales |