Another new restaurant is coming to downtown Williamsburg that should be filling the bellies of barbecue lovers by as early as this weekend.
Home Time BBQ, jointly owned and operated by pitmasters Charlie Griffith and his son, Ivan Griffith, sits just off Main St. next to the Green Space along S. Third Street. The restaurant is currently planned to open to the public on June 1, but the Griffiths held a special invite-only soft opening over the weekend to act as a trial-run for their staff and to allow for attendees to try a sampling of their menu.
The News Journal was among those invited to try out Home Time BBQ on Sunday. While there, the Griffiths took time to discuss their restaurant and what patrons can expect once it officially opens for business.
Both Charlie and Ivan Griffith are Williamsburg natives, though the former has spent much of the last three decades away from home. During that time, Charlie Griffith worked as a trucker, which provided him the opportunity to visit food establishments all across the country. He also lived in Alabama for nearly 20 years before moving back to Williamsburg.
Ivan Griffith currently works full-time as a fiber optic technician, a position that has also required him to be away from home for weeks at a time.
The pair said that their time away from home is part of what inspired them to open Home Time BBQ.
“While traveling, you notice all these places you go to have a lot more than we have here. I’m not even talking about the bigger cities, but some of the smaller areas have more local restaurants—mom and pop places,” said Ivan Griffith. “So, it’s just a good feeling to bring that here and give Williamsburg something nice.”
Of course, there was additional motivation for opening their restaurant, as both men share a love of barbecuing.
Charlie Griffith said he has been barbecuing for the better part of 30 years, both for his family and for smaller catered events. Those are skills that he has honed largely through trial and error, though he noted many of the dishes he continues to make—and will be offered as part of Home Time BBQ’s menu—have been handed down from family members.
That expertise has been passed on to Ivan Griffith as well, who has been dabbling in the art of barbecuing on his own for about five years.
And though both men said their biggest hope for the restaurant was to allow each of them to be home with their families more often, they also look forward to providing Williamsburg with something they feel will be a boon for the town.
“We want to give back to the community,” said Charlie Griffith. “We want this place to be a blessing to the community as much as it is for us.”
Home Time BBQ’s menu will offer a number of barbecue staples, such as brisket, pulled pork and ribs, though Charlie Griffith said that he plans to add a variety of other dishes 
as soon as possible to suit a larger range of palettes, such as meatloaf, Salisbury steak and more.
There will also be an assortment of homemade sides that can accompany the main dishes, including baked beans, greens, coleslaw, corn on the cob and more.
Meals are expected to range from $9 to $18 for adults depending on what items are selected. Patrons will be able to select one protein option and two sides as part of that meal. More items can be added for an additional charge. The restaurant will also offer a quick meal option all day long consisting of a sandwich, chips and a drink. The cost for that meal had not been fully determined as of Sunday.
Home Time BBQ will offer a family-friendly environment, according to the Griffiths. No alcohol will be sold at the establishment.
The restaurant will have the capacity to seat just under 60 people, though the Griffiths will be offering carry-out options as well for those in a hurry or prefer to eat at home. For to-go orders, patrons can walk in and order or call ahead.
Charlie Griffith said that he plans to utilize the two parking spots just outside the restaurant for pick-up orders only to allow for patrons to get in and out quickly. However, he noted that if those spots were occupied, orders could be run out by staff members. Charlie Griffith even added that he would personally park vehicles for those who have mobility issues and wanted to come inside.
Once Home Time BBQ opens, their hours of operation are expected to be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Over-the-phone orders can be made by calling (606) 400-5005.
For more information about Home Time BBQ, you can visit their business page on Facebook.
