See inside: The Improper Pig opens Plaza Midwood flagship soon
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The building used to be an old service station, then a tire shop, then The Pizza Peel and now The Improper Pig. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
The Improper Pig is officially firing up the smoker in the heart of Plaza Midwood.
Why it matters: It's a local business planting its roots in a fast-changing neighborhood that's seen an influx of new development and national chains in recent years.
Driving the news: The Charlotte-born barbecue joint opens its new flagship restaurant at 1600 Central Ave. on Monday, Feb. 16. We got a sneak peek inside.
Context: The new restaurant replaces the former Pizza Peel & Tap Room on the corner of Central and Thomas avenues.
- It also marks a rebrand for the restaurant, which first opened in Cotswold in 2014 and has since expanded to Fort Mill and Rea Farms.
- The concept grew out of Stomp, Chomp & Roll's earlier Mama Fu's brand and was featured on The Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" for its creative toppings.
- "Change is the only thing that's consistent," co-owner Will Bigham tells Axios. "But we look at change as an opportunity for growth."
Dig in: Alongside Improper Pig staples like brisket, St. Louis-style ribs and Chow Bao sliders, the flagship debuts new menu items that will roll out to other locations, including:
- Kimchi burger with wagyu beef and a fried egg
- Smoked curry rolls with chicken and yellow curry
- Miso-glazed salmon with yuzu-sake butter
- Fried rice with protein options ranging from brisket to smoked tofu
- A skillet brownie
It will also serve cocktails, beer, wine and seasonal drinks from its two bars inside and outside.
- When the weather warms up, they'll serve slushy drinks that people can grab and go from the patio bar, catering to the Plaza Midwood social district.
What's next: Bigham says they hope to add a DJ booth on the roof "so people can get their wiggles out."
- The restaurant will regularly host live music and DJs on its lawn.
Stop by: 1600 Central Ave.
- Open Monday — Thursday from 11am–10pm; Friday–Saturday from 11am–11pm; and Sundays from 11am–9pm.