Prime Barbecue is expanding with a second concept, slated to open in Research Triangle Park in Durham in summer or fall of next year.
The new spot will be called Prime STQ, and it will be an extension of the Prime brand, owner Christopher Prieto told What Now Charlotte. The “STQ” acronym represents both the “steak” and “barbecue” aspects of the concept.
“We’ll be serving traditional market-style barbecue during the day, and then at night we flip it into a higher-end live fire-cooking steakhouse, mixed with barbecue,” Prieto said.
Prieto launched the Prime brand in 2020 with his Prime Barbecue restaurant in Knightdale. Those who have visited Prime will see many similarities at Prime STQ, but it will be “a touch more elevated,” Prieto said.
The spot will serve traditional, in-house cut steaks and Prime’s own burger blend, as well as elevated southern comfort dishes like chicken-fried steak. For beverages, Prime STQ will serve a bourbon list and an extensive wine list.
The design for the 8,000-square-foot space will be clean and crisp with modern, industrial elements while also having nods to traditional aspects of barbecue.
“It won’t be too stuffy, but it will be beautiful enough to bring your executive team for a dinner that’s a bit different from your traditional white-tablecloth steakhouse,” Prieto said.
Customers will be able to see into the pit room where the meat is being cooked. There will also be a private dining space, as well as a private table for veterans. Prieto said the team is also planning an outdoor space for kids.
“We’re very family-friendly. There will be a large outdoor play area so that when families come and dine at Prime STQ, their kids can play. It’s a comfortable space,” Prieto said. “We don’t want families to feel like they are inconveniencing us.”
Prime STQ will join Indian restaurant Cheeni at HUB RTP, which What Now Charlotte previously reported is heading to the development as well.
“HUB has been an amazing partner to work with and they have been fully engaged in making sure we have everything we need to make this a successful project,” Prieto said.
Emily McGinn is a passionate writer from the Los Angeles area. She has experience reporting on local news and the restaurant industry, and in multimedia writing for podcasts and videos. In her free time, she enjoys exploring restaurants and finding new coffee shops to try.
