Join the Fast Casual Barbecue Revolution
 | Founded in 2003 as a competition barbecue team, Old Carolina Barbecue Company has been on the winning track for more than a decade. Using the regional barbecue circuit to amass a loyal fan base and over 125 awards to date, Old Carolina began opening corporate restaurants in 2006 and franchising in 2012. Guests enjoy the slow-smoked taste of competition-quality barbecue served in the fast casual format for lunch and dinner seven days a week. |
Slow Smoked Success
| The key to Old Carolina's success is an uncompromising dedication to quality. All meats are cooked on-site with real hickory wood in Southern Pride smokers. Up to fourteen hours for pulled pork and ten hours for brisket! Each barbecue meat is hand pulled or sliced to order. Sauces are served from a self-serve sauce bar that features five regional barbecue sauces. These sauces communicate the storied tradition of Carolina barbecue. |  |
National Recognition
| In 2014, Old Carolina was recognized in USA Today as one of the Top Ten Barbecue Chains in America, citing our local renown, consistency of the food across all locations, adherence to traditional barbecue techniques, atmosphere, and, most importantly, great tasting barbecue. We think with just one visit, you’ll agree! |  |
What You’ll Receive as a Franchise Partner:
A Proven Brand – With a 10-year track record, our restaurants have built a reputation for not only the best barbecue, but the best service model. Our branding is fully developed and supported with professionally designed marketing materials that convey clear messaging of our Carolina inspiration.
Site Selection – Old Carolina contracts with Buxton, an industry leading customer analytics platform, to identify markets and locations that are home to high concentrations of our target consumer. Our team will assist each franchisee in evaluating their site.
Vendor Partnerships – Old Carolina has established relationships with national companies in the following areas: food distribution, equipment supply, restaurant design, construction, signage, furniture, fixtures, and branding components. In most instances, our buying power gives you immediate access to discounts that smaller companies do not enjoy.
Support Services – Our Brand Resources Team consists of specialists in operational systems, technical services, hospitality, culinary, business management and restaurant build-out. All members of the team are committed to assisting you in every aspect of your venture.
Recipes and Plating Manuals – The Old Carolina menu has been developed and tweaked to maximize flavor, operational repeatability and cost effectiveness. You won’t need to employ a 3rd generation pitmaster to serve our exceptional barbecue! Our systems allow you to easily hire and train high school and college-aged employees to serve competition-quality meals.
 | Technical and Operational Systems – Our franchise program incorporates national food distribution, Aloha POS, the Ctuit Radar restaurant management tool, on-line ordering, rewards program, mystery shop portal, and more than 10 years of operational best practices. Marketing Support – Professionally designed marketing collateral is provided for up to ten Limited Time Offers and promotions throughout the year. Each location develops their own community based marketing program under the advisement of a corporate Marketing Manager. You’ll have access to branded creative materials, print and radio ads, digital campaigns and more to advertise and market locally. Multiple Revenue Streams – In addition to traditional dine-in and carry-out sales, the Old Carolina model generates substantial revenue with catering, delivery and bulk barbecue sales. |
Training – Franchisees attend a minimum of four weeks training at a training location and then received an additional 2 weeks of on-site training once you open your store. Our franchise support team continues to aid our franchisees with on-going training through regular visits to your location.
