Raleigh barbecue joint plans expansion

Longleaf Swine, a barbecue joint that took over the former Oakwood Cafe in downtown Raleigh in 2022, is expanding.

Why it matters: The restaurant will bring life back to a longtime favorite of North Raleigh.

• Longleaf plans to renovate the former Sawmill Tap Room space at 7701 Lead Mine Road, according to Raleigh Magazine.
• Sawmill closed in 2023 after more than two decades in operation.

What to expect: Longleaf is traditional North Carolina barbecue at its core, serving whole hog barbecue and stacking wood for smoking out front.

• But it also sells brisket, pork spare ribs, chicken, and smash burgers in the evenings.