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Charlotte

Honey Pies BBQ Opened in Charlotte

Alison Council launched the restaurant at the former Bubba's Barbecue location.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Barbecue

Bold vector illustration of a cast iron skillet with smoked brisket, using thick outlines and sage and cream accents.
Honey Pies BBQ & Smokehouse has officially opened on Sunset Road in Charlotte, offering a new Texas-style menu at the site formerly occupied by Bubba's Barbecue. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Alison Council opened Honey Pies BBQ & Smokehouse at 4400 Sunset Road in Charlotte. The new restaurant replaced Bubba's Barbecue, which had operated at the site since 1994.

Why it matters

The opening marks a transition for the North End as Council aims to serve the neighborhood while adapting to the area's changing commercial landscape.

The property is located 6 miles from uptown Charlotte. The site retains deep roots in the community, evidenced by former owner Ralph Miller’s 40-year tenure with the previous establishment.

The players

Alison Council

She is the owner of Honey Pies BBQ & Smokehouse who purchased the Sunset Road property.

Ralph Miller

He is the retired former owner of the restaurant previously known as Bubba's Barbecue.

The details

Council renovated the building by replacing old wood panels and vinyl tablecloths with modern tables, chairs, lighting, and new flooring. The kitchen now serves Texas-style barbecue and Southern sides to local residents.

Timeline

  1. 1963: Jackson and Spoons Barbecue lineage began.

  2. 1994: Bubba's Barbecue opened on Sunset Road.

  3. 2020: Bill Spoon's Barbecue closed.

  4. January 2026: Council purchased the building and land.

  5. Summer 2027: Expected completion of patio construction.

Roadmap

The transition of this property reflects a broader trend of small business evolution within the North End. Newer owners are increasingly updating traditional spaces to meet the demands of modern commercial growth in the area.

Residents can now visit the location to purchase Texas-style barbecue and Southern sides. Visitors should expect a modernized interior and can look forward to upcoming patio seating options.

The takeaway

Supporting neighborhood dining transitions helps preserve the history of community landmarks while modernizing the local food scene. Residents should monitor future renovations to see how the restaurant adapts its space to offer more amenities.

What happens next

Construction of an outdoor patio is expected to be completed by summer 2027.

Further reading

Learn more about the local culinary scene at the Charlotte Barbecue section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Charlotte Observer.

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Should local businesses prioritize community integration to remain relevant during neighborhood development?