Mac’s Speed Shop is expanding its footprint with a new Mooresville restaurant — and closing its longtime Cornelius location as part of those plans.
The popular barbecue joint will invest roughly $1.1 million into a restaurant off Interstate 77’s exit 36, near Brawley School Road. Plans call for that restaurant to open in the first quarter of 2022, says Shang Skipper, president of Mac’s Hospitality Group.
Construction should begin within 45 days, with equipment and furniture already being ordered.
“We feel pretty confident we’ll have everything we need,” Skipper says.
The restaurant group will shutter its current Cornelius location at 19601 Liverpool Parkway on Nov. 24. Approximately 50 employees from that restaurant will be offered positions at other Mac’s locations or at sister concept Southbound.
“That location has been so kind and so great to us, but the traffic has shifted. It’s been a great 15-year run,” Skipper says.
It’s all part of ongoing efforts to position the brand for future growth. Skipper says the brand plans to open five restaurants over the next 12 to 15 months. A deal for a second north Charlotte restaurant that could open early next year is in the works, he adds.
Mac’s also has plans for a Fort Mill restaurant, which is expected to open in the second quarter of 2022. Plans call for two restaurants on a 3-plus acre site off Exit 85 on S.C. Highway 160 in Fort Mill. Both will be between 4,000 and 5,000 square feet. A new concept that will feature live music is under development.
The 5,500-square-foot Mooresville restaurant will serve as a prototype for the brand moving forward, Skipper says. It’s key for locations to have a patio, indoor/ outdoor space and the right kitchen layout.
“We want to understand what square footage we need, what does it look like and how do we build it more efficiently,” Skipper says.
The Charlotte restaurant group currently operates eight locations of Mac’s Speed Shop in the Carolinas, as well as Southbound, The Music Yard and Backstage Lounge. It has invested more than $20 million into its restaurant portfolio.
Jon Beall with Red Partners represented Mac’s in the Mooresville deal.