Eater Boston is reporting (via the Salem Digest) that Steve Feldmann and Marie Feldmannova of Gulu-Gulu Cafe and Flying Saucer Pizza Company in Salem will open Smokin' Betty's BBQ + Bar near both of those spots, with the Lafayette Street eatery moving into the space where Strega and Red Lulu had been. The articles say that Todd Bekesha, who has worked at a number of North Shore restaurants and who also worked in New Orleans for six years, will be heading up the kitchen, with smoked meats being the focus, though vegetarian options will be available as well. (Smokin' Betty's general manager Erin Oliver calls Bekesha "Lord of the Brisket.") The Salem Digest says that while the restaurant will focus on Southern fare, there will also be New England influences as well, and that local ingredients will be used whenever possible.
If all goes as planned, Smokin' Betty's BBQ + Bar hopes to open sometime this spring.
The address for this upcoming dining spot in Salem is: Smokin' Betty's BBQ + Bar, 94 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA, 01970.
[April 10 update: The Salem News mentions that Smokin' Betty's BBQ + Bar plans will offer brisket, ribs, smoked pork shoulder, chicken, and some vegetarian options.]
[May 12 update: A new article from Eater Boston mentions that Smokin' Betty's BBQ + Bar is a few weeks away from opening and that it will include a hybrid shuffleboard-bowling table.]
[May 23 update: Eater Boston states that Smokin' Betty's BBQ + Bar opens its doors tonight.]
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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]
