One of the newest places in North Augusta to grab a bite to eat held its official ribbon-cutting Friday afternoon.
Southbound Smokehouse’s North Augusta location, which has been open to customers since March, is in Riverside Village – adjacent to SRP Park.
Co-owner George Claussen said Southbound is excited to be in the location, and more broadly, North Augusta.
Claussen, along with co-owners Brian Brittingham and Ean Wolf, were front and center as the ribbon was cut.
A year ago, North Augusta Mayor Bob Pettit and former Mayor Lark Jones cut the ribbon at SRP…
“This has really been a couple of years in the works, so to see it all come together and to have y’all here today really means a lot,” Brittingham said. “It’s been a long journey at times, but we’re here; we’re excited to see the rest of this area develop around us.”
Southbound’s website describes the restaurant as “where classic Southern barbecue meets friendly neighborhood cantina.”
Once the oversized red ribbon-cutting scissors were stashed away, attendees got to sample the restaurant's pulled pork and its signature sauces, Sweet Jane and Heart of Gold.
The ribbon-cutting was a joint effort between the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce and the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce.
We are so excited that Southbound Smokehouse is here, along with the Sweetwater Taproom,” said Brett Turner, past chair of the Board of Directors for the North Augusta Chamber.
“I have eaten here – if you haven’t, you need to try it because it’s very good; and they’ve got great service. We want to welcome Brian, Ean and George here and appreciate them coming here and being part of North Augusta,” Turner said.
Blair Marvin, vice president of the Augusta Metro Chamber, added they “appreciate the asset that you are contributing to our entire region.”
Along with baseball, restaurants and shopping, Riverside Village will offer a place for a little leisure time at the planned riverfront park.
Brittingham said Friday’s event is sort of the “official opening” for them. When the restaurant first opened, they weren’t operating at full hours and were only serving an opening menu. They now have full hours and are on the way to serving a full menu.
“We love this area; we love being on the river,” Brittingham said, adding they are excited for the city-owned amphitheater to be built and the rest of the development be completed.
“But we’re already thrilled to be here and can’t wait for what the future holds.”
Southbound’s North Augusta locations is at 1009 Center St, North Augusta. There is also a location on Central Avenue across the river in Augusta.
The North Augusta location is closed Monday. They open at 4:20 p.m. Tuesday, and at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The restaurant does not have a set closing time.