Silverton’s Sweet Carolina BBQ Co.: An Exclusive Look Inside

Suzanne and Frank Loria hope to finally open the new location of their restaurant, Sweet Carolina BBQ Company, in early December. The couple was gracious enough to give me exclusive media access inside. The community in the Silverton section of Toms River has been wondering for over a year now about this place. When will they open? How will the inside look? What will be on the menu? How many kinds of sauce will they have? Well, thanks to the Lorias, I can now at least give you a small taste of info.

About a year ago, they closed up their successful Sweet Carolina BBQ Co. storefront in New Egypt. The pair then rented a storefront at Rands Plaza on Hooper Avenue. Since then, a ton of work has been put in by Suzanne and Frank. Meanwhile, I'm shocked it's been exactly a year since I first saw their sign and wrote about it here.

Furthermore, not all of the work was expected. After getting into the demo end of things, the couple realized that the former Cozy Kitchen was in worse disrepair than they had originally anticipated it to be. That coupled with red tape over the installation of their state-of-the-art electronic smoker, and some refrigeration repair issues, set the business back about 6 months from the April 2023 opening they had originally hoped for. However, now it's getting close! Close to the sweet smell of success, and to me and my fellow Silvertonians smelling real North Carolina BBQ at home!

The game plan for now for the approximately 50-seat eatery is to pass inspections and open sometime around the first week of December. Furthermore, they will have a limited menu when they first are up and running, as they get to know their new state-of-the-art smoker, which Suzanne told me will cut a significant amount of time off of smoking the bigger cuts of meat. They will begin with Pulled Pork, Chopped Brisket, and Baby Back Ribs. All smoked to perfection, with their signature North Carolina vinegar-based sauce. Side dishes will include Slaw, Hush Puppies, Moist Cornbread, Baked Beans, Mac N Cheese, and something Suzanne seems quite proud of and excited to bring to Silverton: BBQ Mac Fries! Sounds like I'm gonna need new pants. Also, they have cases and cases of that Carolina soda I wrote about last time, Cheerwine. Can't have good Carolina BBQ without it!!! They also right now plan on having an order/pick up or dine-in style service without a wait staff. The couple do however also plan on using the Door Dash and Uber Eats services for their customers' convenience.

Suzanne told me once they get up and rolling, they will expand the menu. She has plans for more BBQ favorites, like smoked wings, an expanded array of sauces, as well as homemade fried chicken. They have a full-service food truck as well as a catering vehicle they hope to begin using next year at parties and events all over the Jersey Shore. However, one thing at a time. First, they look forward to seeing you soon, when they open their doors next month! Now that's sweet!