Tune up those knives and forks: Archer’s BBQ will open its next dining and takeout site at 5200 Rutledge Pike. Located at the corner of Rutledge Pike and Chilhowee Drive, this site is the former home of “Smokin” J’s B-B-Q, a business that closed a few months ago due to the owner’s ill health. The premises are under lease through Hatcher-Hill Realty.
Right now the building is being painted and renovated and dining furniture has been ordered in preparation for an expected July opening.
Proprietor Archer Bagley says this site with its full kitchen is somewhat different from his other four locations, which rely heavily on a central commissary for preparations. In addition to the popular ribs, pulled pork and chicken and side fixings, you can expect to find local fried catfish with hush puppies and fries every day as well as smoked brisket on weekends. Expect some indoor dining service as well as take-outs.
Some 25,000 cars a day travel Rutledge Pike, and there are a number of nearby businesses with hungry workers to support the restaurant, as well as close residential neighborhoods filled with folks likely to be irresistibly drawn to the smell of roasting meat.
For more information about the menu offerings at existing Archer’s locations, check out the website.