Gardner’s BBQ was founded in 1972 by Jim Gardner. Our flagship restaurant is located on Hwy 301 in Rocky Mount, NC. In 1988 Jim Gardner retired from the restaurant business to pursue a career in politics and was elected Lt. Governor of NC. Jim’s younger brother Gerry Gardner purchased the company at that time and successfully ran the company with his two sons Jay and Jaime Gardner along with the help of employee Tommy Jackson. In 2012 Gerry’s sons, Jay and Jaime, purchased the company from their father. Under the new ownership, the sons successfully completed a major remodeling project of the 301 restaurant as well as the commissary building which sits on the same site as the restaurant. The commissary building is a USDA inspected facility where the BBQ is prepared for all the Gardner’s restaurants. Gardner’s BBQ currently have three restaurant locations in Rocky Mount, a catering division that serves eastern NC and Southern Virginia, as well as a wholesale division. Although the appearance of the restaurant has changed dramatically, the company is still known for its food quality and good down home service. We appreciate our loyal customers who have supported us for over 40 years and we plan to continue offering the same great tasting eastern NC style BBQ and down home cooking for years to come.