Chubby's BBQ, the Cleveland County food truck favorite, is parking some of its operation in one spot, opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant at 238 S. Cherokee St. in downtown Kings Mountain on April 9. Owners Steven and Ashley Daniels plan a lineup of smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork and classic sides, and they will keep the food truck rolling while the new kitchen finds its rhythm.
Steven Daniels told The Shelby Star he first launched Chubby's as a food truck after winning a local Brew & Que competition, then jumped at the chance for a permanent spot when the downtown space opened up. He added that, in time, he wants to expand beyond the core barbecue staples with daily specials and lighter plates like salmon.
"God has a plan for everything," Daniels told The Shelby Star, describing how the family arrived at the decision to set up shop in downtown Kings Mountain. He and his wife, Ashley, live in nearby Bessemer City and plan to run the restaurant together while raising their three daughters, according to the paper.
Where Chubby's Will Be
The new restaurant is moving into the former Skillet space at 238 S. Cherokee St. in downtown Kings Mountain. Business records for The Skillet confirm that address and signal a recent turnover on the strip as new operators move in, according to the Chamber of Commerce.
Hours, Menu and Plans
Chubby's will start out with limited hours, opening Thursday through Sunday for the first month, then shifting to a Monday through Saturday schedule beginning in May, as reported by AOL. The sides list leans into comfort food: smoked mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw and smoked cabbage. Daniels told AOL he hopes to add breakfast service later on, and to roll out daily specials like smoked meatloaf as the restaurant settles in.
Downtown Context
Downtown Kings Mountain has seen a steady trickle of new restaurants and small businesses in recent years. Local guides point to multiple eateries along Cherokee Street and highlight the area as a key commercial hub for the city, a trend that Chubby's hopes will translate into reliable foot traffic, according to the Discover Kings Mountain.
Chubby's keeps an active Facebook page under the name Chubby's BBQ Catering, where the family plans to share soft-opening details, specials and events. The Danielses say they want the new spot to grow into a downtown fixture and a regular stop for barbecue fans across Cleveland County.
