BBQ BONUS: “The recipe is simple: freshly made food, local ingredients, and special homemade sauces. We are offering great BBQ, inspired by our chef, ‘Mama Sally,’ along with the well-known hospitality that characterizes Local Greek,” explains Tony Kanterakis, owner of Local Greek Restaurant Group and the new Local BBQ in Hopewell. Shown is chef and catering director “Mama Sally” Kornegay.

By Jean Stratton

Tony Kanterakis, owner of Local Greek Restaurant Group, knows what works.

“Food brings people together, and that has always been our target in the Local Greek Family. That is what we want to keep doing by adding Local BBQ.”

The addition of Local BBQ, which opened mid-May at 21 East Broad Street in Hopewell, brings the number of his restaurants to five.

He established the very popular Local Greek in Princeton in 2017, followed by Small Bites, also in Princeton, Local Greek in Lambertville, Local Greek Seafood in Hopewell, and now Local BBQ. Fans of barbecue — and there are many — will be thrilled!

Strong Tie

Although his previous career was in financial planning and medical services, the New Jersey native reports that he has a strong tie to the restaurant business.

“My mom has had a restaurant and bakery in Highland Park, and I started working there in 2005,” he reports. “I always liked Greek cooking, and I decided to change careers because I really enjoyed being out there with people and interacting with them. I thought opening a restaurant would be a good way to make people happy.”

With the success of each new establishment, he knew he had made the right decision. While the BBQ eatery is a departure from the Greek cuisine focus, it embraces the same emphasis on fresh quality ingredients and special recipes.

“Inspired by our chef and Restaurant Group Catering Director ‘Mama Sallly’ Kornegay’s BBQ special occasion lunches for the Local Greek family to enjoy a meal together, we are offering a unique BBQ experience,” he explains. “The Local Greek Restaurant Group team now brings southern hospitality and BBQ flavors to Hopewell.”

“Our BBQ is St. Louis style, with great homemade sauces. We have sandwiches and platters, ‘shareables,’ and salads, and everything has been popular. We already have repeat customers in the short time we have been open.”

The menu offers a variety of tempting choices, including “shareables” such as wings (12 pieces of BBQ), macaroni and cheese; chili; pulled pork fries, brisket fries topped with BBQ brisket and coleslaw; hushpuppies; and fried pickles.

BBQ Sandwiches

A garden salad (with mix of greens, cucumber, grape tomatoes, and red onions) is available, as is “smoke salad,” with choice of pulled pork, pulled chicken, or beef brisket on a bed of mixed greens with cheddar cheese, cucumbers, grape tomatoes, and red onions.

Sandwiches include BBQ pulled pork, BBQ pulled chicken, and BBQ beef brisket, all served with cornbread roll, coleslaw, and pickles. A fried chicken sandwich includes cornbread roll, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles.

A BBQ burger and hot dog are also available.

Choices of platters offer something for every taste. All are served with cornbread or biscuit and one side of coleslaw, fries, vegetarian baked beans, green beans, or spicy noodles.

Among these are beef brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, fried chicken, chili, half rack baby back ribs, and full rack baby back ribs.

Prices range from $6.95 to $34.95 for the full rack of baby back ribs. $12.95 is typical for sandwiches.

“Customers especially love our great homemade sauces, and there are so many kinds,” reports Kanterakis. “We are getting people from all over the area, including Princeton, Lawrenceville, Lambertville, and of course, Hopewell. They are all ages, and include lots of families. They are commenting on the high quality of the food and also are enjoying our friendly, down-to-earth style.”

Inside and Outside

The setting is informal and relaxed, offering both inside and outside dining, with accommodations for 34 inside and up to 30 or more outside.

Takeout, delivery, and catering are available, and dining hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

Helping people enjoy being together over a delicious meal is Kanterakis’s pleasure and priority.

“We always want to make people feel welcome, and we want to be the neighborhood place for them to come for great food in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where they can spend time being together and not be in a hurry. This is more important than ever today.

“I like seeing the smiles on our customers’ faces when they are here, and also our employees’ enjoyment. We have a great staff, and they are friendly and helpful to everyone.

“Another thing customers can count on,” he continues. “We are always working hard to improve, to make whatever we have even better. And we want even more people to come and experience our special BBQ and friendly style. Come join us!”

For more information, call (609) 309-5765, or visit localbbqhopewell.com.