Plans hint at closure for iconic Bar-B-Q King
Founded in 1959, the west Charlotte drive-in ranks among the city’s oldest restaurants
The following article appeared in the Oct. 20, 2025, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
Next longtime Charlotte restaurant to close: Bar-B-Q King on Wilkinson? City records show it could become a bank
Bar-B-Q King on Wilkinson Boulevard, founded in 1959, has stuck with curbside service and a classic menu of pork barbecue and fried chicken. (Photo: Google Maps)
Tributes started pouring in online on Sunday recalling all the good times at Bar-B-Q King, a drive-in on Wilkinson Boulevard in west Charlotte that is one of Charlotte’s oldest restaurants.
A member of the Facebook group “Charlotte over the years 2” posted a photo Sunday morning of a sign near the Bar-B-Q King cash register that read: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of Bar-B-Q King on Nov. 1. Thank you for your support all these years.”
Bar-B-Q King opened in 1959, which puts it in the top 10 oldest restaurants in Charlotte, according to a running list by The Charlotte Observer that is frequently updated as old restaurants close. The oldest restaurant in Charlotte is believed to be Providence Road Sundries on Providence Road, which dates to 1933. It took the top spot after uptown’s Green’s Lunch closed in 2023.
The Ledger was unable to independently confirm the pending closing of Bar-B-Q King on Sunday, as the restaurant was closed and we could not reach the owner. However, city planning department records show that in September, paperwork was submitted for a project at the site described as: “Proposed FNB Bank branch located at 2900 Wilkinson Blvd. at the existing BBQ King.”
Besides Green’s Lunch, other longtime restaurants that have closed in the last few years include Gus’ Sir Beef, Philadelphia Deli, Mr. K’s, Bill Spoon’s Barbecue and Price’s Chicken Coop.
Although development pressures and rising land values frequently play a role in the closure of old restaurants in Charlotte, it’s also true that aging owners often are looking to retire after running their businesses on weekends and evenings for decades.
Bar-B-Q King owner Gus Karapanos told WBTV in 2021: “I’ve been doing this for close to, you know, honestly, I quit counting. It’s almost, I think over 40 years that I’ve been doing this. It becomes a way of life.”
He said the restaurant — which operates virtually the same way it did 60 years ago, including the menu and curbside ordering — had waiters and cooks that had worked there for nearly 40 years.
Food Network personality Guy Fieri visited the restaurant in 2007 for an episode of his show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Bar-B-Q King serves pork barbecue and fried chicken and is also known for its onion rings.
Property records show the owners have four parcels at the site totaling nearly 1.8 acres. WBTV reported in 2023 that the land was up for sale.
Comments on Facebook included:
“I literally can’t get over this. I’ve actually shed tears over this news.”
“Best spot to eat delicious BBQ soul food, drive in, and chill with family or date night with your boo”
“A minced BBQ sandwich, onion rings, and a cherry coke, what a meal!!”
—Tony Mecia
Need to sign up for this e-newsletter? We offer a free version, as well as paid memberships for full access to all 6 of our local newsletters:
The Charlotte Ledger is a locally owned media company that delivers smart and essential news. We strive for fairness and accuracy and will correct all known errors. The content reflects the independent editorial judgment of The Charlotte Ledger. Any advertising, paid marketing or sponsored content will be clearly labeled.
◼️ About The Ledger • Our Team • Website
◼️ Newsletters • Podcast • Newcomer Guide • A Better You email series
◼️ Subscribe • Sponsor • Events Board • Merch Store • Manage Your Account
◼️ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn