Hickory BBQ Joint Celebrates 55 Years of Operation

Hickory, NC (PRWEB) June 25, 2008 -- Shell's Bar-B-Q, a local diner landmark with 50 plus years of serving barbecue, hot dogs, burgers and other American delights to the Hickory area, was recently featured in the Hickory Daily Record, a daily newspaper in the North Carolina area. Shell's Bar-B-Q has been a favorite hangout for locals since the 1950s and is continuing their success owners, Lisa and Blake "Bee" Watts Jr.

The article, titled "Family Fare" explains the history of Shell's and how the current owners are keeping the diner legacy alive with new additions to the menu and the building. The couple has owned the restaurant since 1989. The building was rapidly deteriorating and "They bought the 1950s-style DJ's Diner building from NASCAR racer Dale Jarrett in late 2001 and moved it from Rock Barn Road in Conover to its new home behind the original Shell's," wrote John Dayberry, Record Business Editor at the Hickory Daily Record. "The new restaurant has allowed for an expanded menu and a drive-up window with a longer--and safer--approach."

The menu boasts an extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, as well as daily and dessert specials. Banana splits, ice cream and milkshakes also have been added to the menu. The homemade fried apple pie is a favorite along with the Bar-B-Q deluxe platter, which includes chopped and sliced bar-b-q served with cole slaw, baked beans, potato salad, fries, onion rings, hushpuppies and bread.

The new, 2,400-square foot restaurant's comfortable searing and nostalgic décor will likely lead to more patrons eating in the diner, rather than taking items to go. Shell's also sponsored a pre-season pep rally for the neighboring St. Stephen's high school football program recently and has also catered tail-gate parties at the school.

For more information about Shell's Bar-B-q, visit www.shellsbar-b-q.com.

About Shell's Bar-B-Q

Fred and Violet Shell opened Shell's in 1952 in an 800-square foot building and the eatery has since become a diner staple for generations. Lisa and Blake "Bee" Watts Jr. became owners of the restaurants in 1989 and have recently expanded the menu and created a drive-up window to contribute to the nostalgic dining establishment.

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