By Jim Hart/Contributing Writer
jimhartrealestate@gmail.com

MURFREESBORO, N.C.
The official grand reopening of Whitley’s Bar-B-Que is planned for Saturday, May 2. From noon until 2 p.m., there will be $1 off each buffet meal, and children will also be able to have their face painted.

That night, there will be an official reopening with special entertainment beginning at 9 o’clock by Colton James, along with Karaoke and with special guest and friend, Brian Gurry of “American Builder.” Gurry is a well-known TV personality and documentary producer primarily concentrating his filming on the National Geographic Channel.

The menu for this special event will be the seafood buffet. The full menu will not be available due to the anticipated large crowd. While reservations are not necessary, they are strongly encouraged to prevent waiting at the door.

Whitley’s Bar-B-Que has recently reopened after being closed since the middle of February following extensive renovations and improvements. Whitley’s, a mainstay restaurant in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, since the mid-1960s is now under the direction of Cassie James and her husband, Colton.

They took over the management of the restaurant in June 2014 on a short-term agreement with the only family heir of the restaurant — in anticipation of forming something more long term. After a six-month stint at the helm, they were able to evaluate the condition of the building and also the business. Based on their evaluation, and with the cooperation of the owner of the building, an agreement was met, and the building has undergone significant renovations in the kitchen and dining area to better serve customers’ needs. Many more improvements are planned over the course of the next several months.

A lot of the work done was to update the kitchen equipment, but the most visible change from the customers’ perspective is the new look of the front main dining room. The ceiling was removed and a new one put in place with a western theme and two new bars and counters.

TVs have been installed for customers to sit back and enjoy their stay a little longer while watching sporting events. The restaurant has also secured a beer and wine license for on-premise consumption and hours of operation have been extended.

Cassie noted that their famous buffet will continue, but other items have been added to the menu such as seafood and Black Angus steaks. A few appetizers or finger food items have been added for those that are watching a game or race.

For a more detailed rundown on the new hours of operation or to make reservations, please call Whitley’s Traditions Bar-B-Que at 252-398-4884.