Florida-based Woody’s Bar‑B‑Q is about to test its ribs in Tar Heel country, with the chain planning to open its first North Carolina location at Durham’s Oxford Commons shopping center next month. The roughly 2,700-square-foot spot is expected to seat about 66 guests and run a hybrid setup that lets diners either order at the counter or settle in for host-seated table service. Franchise owners are circling an opening window between March 1 and March 15, depending on how quickly the final signoffs come through.
Franchisees Abby Haywood and her mother, Evangeline Smith, told Business Debut they are waiting on final state inspection and occupancy approval before unlocking the doors. According to the outlet, the menu is set to cover brisket, spare ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken, turkey and wings, plus a Carolina-style barbecue plate with slaw that will put Woody’s vinegar game on full display. The Durham restaurant will serve beer and wine but will not have a full bar. Haywood also told the outlet she has signed a development deal for three locations, with Durham serving as the first in that rollout.
Chain Background And Expansion
Woody’s traces its roots to Jacksonville and highlights its 1980 founding on its official materials, which also list Durham as a “Coming Soon” location, signaling corporate backing for the move into North Carolina. A recent look at the brand’s franchising push and last year’s ownership transition suggests Woody’s is eyeing a broader footprint beyond Florida, according to FSR.
Where In Durham And What To Expect
The new restaurant is headed for the Oxford Commons shopping center. LoopNet identifies 3500 N Roxboro Street as part of that complex and notes a tenant mix anchored by Food Lion, so Woody’s will be sliding into a well-trafficked neighborhood hub.
Haywood and Smith told Business Debut they plan to open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Customers will be able to grab food at the counter for takeout or settle in for host-seated table service, with slow-smoked plates and family-style “feasts” on offer…