Smith Anderson Instrumental in Saving N.C. Barbecue Icon, Wilber's Barbecue

North Carolina barbecue icon, Wilber’s Barbecue in Goldsboro, will once again be serving its traditional pit cooked barbecue — thanks to Smith Anderson client, Goldpit Partners, LLC, swiftly stepping in to revive the restaurant. After the restaurant closed its doors due to financial issues, the group of local investors with ties to Goldsboro and a love for Wilber’s came together to form the new entity and to preserve the North Carolina landmark.

The exciting news has been covered by multiple news media, who have quoted Smith Anderson attorney Jeb Jeutter, including WRAL, The News & Observer,Triangle Business Journal,CBS,Winston-Salem Journal,Goldsboro News-Argus and others. 

Whole hog, cooked over a wood-fired pit, barbecue restaurants, long a part of NC history, have rapidly become a thing of the past. Since 1962, Wilber’s has been an integral part of upholding that history, serving Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue cooked the old-fashioned way. Over the years, Wilber’s gained popularity as one of the few barbecue restaurants that still used the traditional pit cooking process, drawing generations of families to line up for their famed hushpuppies and BBQ.

Goldpit’s purchase of Wilber’s was finalized on Friday, November 8, after overcoming many hurdles to become the new owners, with founder Wilber Shirley’s blessing. Restoration of the historic Wilber’s building located on US 70 will begin in the coming weeks, with plans to resume operations and reopen in Spring 2020. Wilber’s legacy of serving the traditional pit-centric menu will continue and be carried on by Goldpit with Mr. Shirley’s assistance.

Smith Anderson’s team was instrumental in saving a treasure in, of, and for the State of North Carolina — from forming the LLC with NCSOS and negotiating the purchase from Chapter 11 debtor in bankruptcy, to obtaining and receiving bankruptcy court approval to purchase and close of the sale. Partner Jeb Jeutter was point on this matter with support from Jordan Fieldstein, Heath Tripp, Davis Roach, Hannah Chase, Susan Parrott, and Byron Kirkland.