Another New Restaurant Eyes Strongsville

A restaurant that promises authentic southern barbecue is looking to open in Strongsville.

Old Carolina Barbecue Co., which now has six locations -- including one that opened in May at Legacy Village -- is seeking to operate in the Strongsville Plaza, 14783 Pearl Rd., on the first floor of . 

The business wants to occupy 3,820 square feet for a sit-down restaurant.

The plans got a favorable review from the city Planning Commission last week.

It's not the restaurant's first foray into Strongsville. Old Carolina has been an award-winning part of the -- in 2010 and 2011, it won the People's Choice Award for best ribs -- and will again have a stand at the event this year.

The burnoff, sponsored by the Strongsville City Club, is set for June 21-23.

Old Carolina has "barbecue inspired by the Carolinas," its website says. It offers dine-in and take-out, with a menu that includes ribs, chicken, sandwiches and salads, as well as baked beans, slaw, french fries and other sides.

The business is owned by high school buddies Brian Bailey and Tim Hug of Canton, who launched their first restaurant in Massillon in May 2006. They have since opened stores in Stow, Fairlawn and two in Canton, plus the Lyndhurst location that opened May 21.

It's not the first restaurant that eyed Pearl Road site. Last June,  on the first floor of the buidling, but could not provide enough parking spaces that Strongsville's code requires.

But Ward 4 Councilman Scott Maloney, who is council's liaison to the Planning Commission, said because Old Carolina would occupy a smaller space -- Kumo's plans showed it would take over almost 9,000 square feet -- the parking requirement is smaller.

"They'll be a good fit there," Maloney said.