Sweet Lew’s is opening soon. Photo courtesy.

Anticipated barbecue restaurant Sweet Lew’s will open in the Belmont neighborhood on Wednesday. The restaurant is co-owned by Laura Furman Grice and former Reid’s Fine Foods executive chef Lewis Donald.

The restaurant is in a former mechanic’s building, and has kept a lot of its grittiness, with concrete floors, brick walls, and garage doors that will open to the patio in warm weather. The interior fits the style of barbecue Donald is serving; his barbecue will be served until it’s sold out each day.

On the menu will be ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and brisket, along with classic barbecue sides like greens and mac-and-cheese. Donald will also offer specials each day of the week. He’ll have beer and wine, and cocktails will be served out of punch spinners.

Sweet Lew’s is opening in an area of town that until recently had several open retail spaces, behind Catawba Brewing. Siggy’s Good Food is now across the street, and a vet’s office will also open on the corner of Belmont Ave.

We’re offering an exclusive preview dinner on Monday to our subscribers. Tickets are $25 and include a plate of barbecue and a beer. We’ll also get to see the smoker, named BB, and talk to chef Donald. Get yours here! Don’t forget we’re also doing a giveaway in November for a tailgate package here for subscribers who refer new Unpretentious People! —Kristen Wile