Restaurant Expansion Means More Room to Eat Great BBQ

Lockhart’s BBQ is completing a $600,000 renovation at restaurant’s flagship location in Royal Oak.

The renovation makes room for an additional 90 seats, two custom bars and a private room for 60-100 people, includes a grand staircase and accommodates additional craft beers on tap.

“We are often on a wait of 60-90 minutes and we cannot always accommodate all our guests, owner Drew Ciora said in a news release. “By adding the new dining area and an additional 28 bar seats, we now have a warm, inviting place to wait for tables and additional seating which will drop the overall wait time by 60-70 percent.”

Private parties have already begun booking the space for the holidays. Lockhart’s will also keep the space open when it is not booked for private parties.

“We are asked two to three times per week for a private dining space,” Jennifer Demetral, catering manager, said. “We are very excited that we now have one of the largest and best spaces in Royal Oak that our guests can use for private parties, corporate meetings and family get togethers.”

Architects Krieger/Klatt designed the space to complement the existing restaurant with a 35-foot concrete bar top, reclaimed doors from schools in Detroit, rich wood and great Edison bulb lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The restaurant is installing 70-inch monitors to watch games and audio-visual equipment to allow guests to have presentations or meetings that can be shared over the monitors.

The new space will be open by Thursday.

Lockhart’s BBQ menu includes brisket, pork, pork ribs, beef ribs, two kinds of sausage, whole chickens and several homemade sides, appetizers and desserts.

Some unique dishes include homemade Brisket Tamales, Pork Street Tacos and Mac-n-Cheese Shepherd’s Pie.

A full bar is available, including 16 beer taps dedicated to Michigan craft beer.

IF YOU GO:

What: Lockhart’s BBQ | Where: 202 E. Third St. Royal Oak | Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.-midnight; Sundays, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. | Phone: (248) 584-4227 | More information: www.lockhartsbbq.com or find the restaurant on Facebook

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Photo: Lockhart’s BBQ on Facebook