Jan 28, 2022 - Food and Drink

Eric Church, Rodney Scott to open BBQ bar

Nate Rau

Rodney Scott checks racks of ribs as they cook. Photo: Alex Holt/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Country artist Eric Church will join the parade of stars launching honky-tonks on lower Broadway when his concept Chief's opens in 2023.

Church is partnering with hospitality entrepreneur Ben Weprin for the six-story bar, which will be located at 2nd Avenue and Broadway in the building previously home to Cotton Eyed Joe.

The big picture: While other country artists have relegated food service to an after-thought in their bars, Church and Weprin are stepping up. The rooftop will be occupied by James Beard Award-winning pitmaster Rodney Scott and his Whole Hog BBQ.

💭 Nate's thought bubble: Scott is on the Mt. Rushmore of contemporary American barbecue, and I am a bit of a fanboy.

At the height of the pandemic, I dragged my family for a camping trip in Charleston so we could eat at Rodney Scott's.
I highly recommend the episode about Scott's life and career on Netflix's "Chef's Table."

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Eric Church, Rodney Scott to open BBQ bar

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