A traditional North Carolina-style barbecue stop has announced a second location opening in a popular downtown Raleigh marketplace by the end of the year.
Sam Jones BBQ, known for wood-fired pork with vinegar, shared on Wednesday, Sept. 9 it will open a food stall in Morgan Street Food Hall, located at 411 West Morgan St., marking the business’ third location and second in downtown Raleigh.
Jones, the restaurant’s namesake, is a fourth generation barbecue pit master from eastern North Carolina and a third generation restaurant owner. Jones’ grandfather, Pete, created Skylight Inn BBQ in Ayden, a nationally renowned and presidentially approved BBQ spot that garnered Michelin praise earlier this year.
“The Morgan Street Food Hall is a walkable destination in downtown Raleigh,” Jones said in a press release. “Our Raleigh location is a short distance away but may not be as convenient if you want to walk. We’re able to offer that same quality food that represents our region in a setting that isn’t your typical food hall offering.”
Sam Jones BBQ menu
The original family recipe includes hand-raised hogs, personally-chopped trees for fire wood and 16 hours of slow cooking and “flipping it at just the right time to crisp up the skin,” the business said on their website.
Morgan Street Food Hall, owned by Niall Hanley, currently features 17 vendors serving a variety of foods, drinks and desserts. The market-style food destination opened in 2018, since then it has accumulated big names in the Raleigh food scene, such as Gym Tacos and Cowbar Burger & Fries.
“Sam Jones is the real deal,” Hanley said in a press release. “Fourth generation, whole hog over wood. The same barbecue his family has been cooking in Ayden since 1947. Having him in Morgan Street Food Hall is a big deal for us and for anyone who cares about North Carolina food. We’re delighted.”
The Sam Jones BBQ Pit Stop at Morgan Street Food Hall will offer a more limited food and drink menu than their other Raleigh location at 502 West Lenoir St. While an opening date has yet to be announced, the Sam Jones’ website shares that the spot will open in late 2026.
Barbecue news
The News & Observer recently reported on Carolina Hurricanes defenseman, Jaccob Slavin becoming a new partner in upscale steakhouse, Prime STQ. The restaurant will open in spring 2027, blending barbecue techniques and steakhouse classics.
The N&O reported that Mission BBQ began serving customers at its new Raleigh location Tuesday, April 14. The chain restaurant has restaurants in nearly two dozen states, including five in North Carolina.
A longtime Southern restaurant closed its flagship location in downtown Durham
Canes star Jaccob Slavin invests in highly anticipated Triangle BBQ restaurant
Dining and Cooking