Homegrown barbecue joint steeped in nostalgia coming to Chapin

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Nostalgia serves as the driving force behind the latest venture of the Middleton family at LTC Hospitality Services: 518 Smokehouse.

Located at 673 Chapin Road in Chapin, the restaurant is poised to fill a void in the local culinary scene, as described by Mallory Phillips, Marketing Assistant for the restaurant.

“Chapin has been longing for more dining options, and this is causing quite a buzz,” she said.

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The family-friendly establishment will focus on sports, outdoors, and craveable cuisine. The concept was born from Greg Middleton's fond memories of his college fraternity days. Middleton reflects, "We used to barbecue at 518 Smokehouse Lane in Winthrop, and this restaurant will recreate that welcoming atmosphere.”

The restaurant is on track for a November opening if all goes smoothly, as per Phillips. Inside, patrons can expect a spacious, open layout. Outside, a large-sized patio will overlook a pond and will provide a setting for occasional live music performances. The restaurant will also be pet-friendly, allowing patrons to bring their furry companions.

The culinary experience

The culinary direction, coined as "Tex-a-lina," promises a fusion of Texas and Carolina flavors. William Harvey, a Chapin resident and the general manager said: “We will smoke everything in-house,” adding that head chef, Kevin Schwab, brings experience from top-notch BBQ establishments in Dallas and Fort Worth, coupled with training in South Carolina smokehouses.

Harvey offers a glimpse of the menu, explaining that choices range from convenient corn ribs, sliced off the cob for ease of eating, to favorites like brisket, burgers, sandwiches, catfish, pulled pork, chicken, and ribs

“We’ll also introduce occasional specials, such as fried chicken,” said Harvey, adding that other dishes expect to attract customers include Texas Caviar — a dish comprising black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and bell peppers and also the Texas Twinkie: smoked brisket, cream cheese, and bacon-wrapped jalapeno, crowned with a sweet red BBQ sauce.

518 Smokehouse anticipates accommodating 275 patrons, with ample space for guests to gather at the spacious 60-seat bar. The beverage menu will include a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.

The quest for a mascot name

The restaurant is currently engaging the public in the task of choosing a mascot name. Among the top 10 contenders are imaginative names like Abra-Ham Lincoln, Baron Von Bacon, Edgar Allen Pork, Elvis Pigsly, and Sir Loin.

“The chosen name will receive an honorary plaque,” Phillips said, explaining that the staff is brainstorming creative ways to integrate the mascot names into the restaurant's décor.

Phillips shares an element of fun: “We're using artificial intelligence to generate pig art characters corresponding to the chosen names, like Thor the Boar, for instance.”

In the meantime, the restaurant project continues to take shape, and staffing requirements have been announced.

“We anticipate employing around 60-100 people,” said Harvey, adding that he’s looking forward to the opening. “There's immense excitement surrounding our launch. I’ve had countless conversations, and 518 Smokehouse is currently the talk of the town.”

Stefanie Kalina-Metzger is a contributing writer for SC Biz News.