Jim Noble with his smoker Beulah. Photo courtesy of The Plaid Penguin.

It’s been years since Jim Noble first mentioned opening a barbecue restaurant, and finally, it’s going to happen. The owner of Rooster’s and King’s Kitchen will open Noble Smoke, a barbecue spot in West Charlotte, next month. A grand opening has been set for July 25.

The massive space on Freedom Drive will seat more than 200 guests. A patio will seat another 200. To cook for that many people, Noble has installed eight smokers — two Carolina pit style, and six Texas style. The Carolina-style smokers were designed with help from the Monk family of renowned Lexington Barbecue.

The restaurant will have an open kitchen area where staff will chop and prep the smoked meats, which include turkey, brisket, and pork sold by the quarter, half, or full pound. Sides will be traditional Southern ones, such as Hoppin’ John, collards, and mac and cheese. Also on the menu are house-made sausages and fish options.

Though the grand opening isn’t until July 25, the restaurant will soft open sometime after the 4th. The restaurant is currently hiring staff. —Kristen Wile