It’s been at least four years in development, but Tim Chappell, the owner of Gusano’s Pizzeria, says it’s really happening: He’s really bringing back The Shack barbecue restaurant, to be located in the Gusano’s space at 313 President Clinton Ave. in downtown Little Rock.
Chappell is partnering with Arkansas barbecue guru Joe Finch, who, according to previous reports, bought the Shack brand and recipes.
Although he cautions “my plan is still fluid,” Chappell told us Gusano’s will transition to The Shack barbecue, but Gusano’s will retain a 200-SF space as a “delivery brand” or as takeout.
At the same time, Chappell and Finch plan a Hickory Joe’s barbecue restaurant at 402 E. Third St., where Hot Dog Mike’s used to be. It’s planned to be mostly for curbside pickup.
The Shack is a legendary Little Rock restaurant, whose last location was at Third and Victory streets. It opened next to the state Capitol in 1934 and closed in the late ‘80s. Its hallowed memory brings grown men to tears. Or so we’ve heard.
News variously about the Shack or Hickory Joe’s percolated for several years. Chappell said the holdup was attributable primarily to figuring out where the smoker would go, whether at the location on President Clinton or on Third, but space considerations mean it likely will be at the Gusano’s site on President Clinton.
The Shack and Hickory Joe’s will offer two slightly different menus and “two different barbecue experiences,” Chappell said. What they’ll share is barbecue featuring top-quality beef and pork.
Additionally, Chappell wants to turn the Gusano’s space into a “blues and barbecue” location, featuring live blues music at night.
Chappell said to look for The Shack to open around March 1 and Hickory Joe’s by March or April.
But Whispers warns: Man plans and God laughs, particularly where the restaurant industry is concerned.
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