ROCKINGHAM — After nearly two decades of serving barbecue in Rockingham, Smithfield’s Chicken ’N Bar-B-Q closed its doors Sunday evening.
“We’re closing because our franchise agreement ended. We love everybody and we are so so sad. We hope everyone will come see us in Laurinburg and Southern Pines. Please come see us,” said Helen Podruchny, vice president of operations at Smithfield’s Bar-B-Q in Rockingham.
Podruchny added, “I’m the person responsible to make sure our team is making all of our customers happy.”
Smithfield’s Chicken ’N Bar-B-Q was founded in 1977 in Smithfield, North Carolina, by Junius and Maggie Moore and has grown into a regional restaurant chain.
Around 15 employees worked at the Rockingham location. Podruchny said staff members were offered the opportunity to transfer to other restaurants.
“They’ve been given the opportunity to join us in Southern Pines or Laurinburg — everybody has that opportunity,” said Podruchny.
The closure also impacts a longstanding community tradition. Tuesday Cruisers, a local classic car and hot rod club, has hosted weekly cruise-in events at the Rockingham Smithfield’s location every Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m.
Podruchny said the group has been informed of the closure and that the events will not continue at the Laurinburg or Southern Pines locations.
“No, the parking lots [in Laurinburg and Southern Pines] aren’t that big. I’m not sure what the car show people to do. They’re aware and they’re thinking,” said Podruchny.
Tuesday Cruisers shared a message on social media thanking the restaurant for its longtime support.
“We are thankful for all the support and love we receive from this community SCNB. We will miss the Tuesday nights with Smithfield’s,” read a comment made by Tuesday Cruisers on social media.
The group’s annual New Year’s Day Cruise-In, held a few weeks ago, became the final cruise-in event at the Rockingham location.
“We can’t say enough how much we’re going to miss and love our customers. We invite them to the other locations,” Podruchny said.