Moe’s Original Bar B Que

Eric Witherington wants diners at Moe’s Original Bar B Que to know they can expect the barbecue and Southern sides they love at the restaurant’s new location across the street from its old spot.

Witherington, who co-owns the restaurant with his brother Kevin, said smoking the restaurant’s meat twice each day before lunch and dinner makes a difference customers appreciate.

“We have nothing that is pre-made. Everything is made fresh to order,” he said.

In addition to the pulled pork, hungry diners can choose from other savory entrees including ribs, smoked chicken, smoked turkey, fried catfish, a shrimp “Moe” boy and smoked wings.

Daily sides include baked beans, marinated slaw, potato salad, banana pudding and chips, along with daily specials such as collard greens, macaroni and cheese, squash casserole, black -eyed peas and others. Diners are sure to find just the right meal for their tastes.

The restaurant also serves a vegetable plate, salads, and cornbread made from scratch. Witherington said customers visit Moe’s because they want to enjoy food that is fresh.

“People know the difference between vegetables you pop out of a can or a pan that you really put some love into,” he said.

Relocating in the building that once housed Leonardo’s Italian Restaurant allows the brothers to serve food in a locale that is more relaxing.

“Our facilities are better,” Kevin Witherington said. “Across the street, it was more of a dine and dash type thing. Over here, I think you’ve got a little more atmosphere.”

Moving the Vestavia Hills restaurant is the latest progression for the Witheringtons, who formerly operated Lakeview Oyster House where one of their four Birmingham-area Moe’s restaurants is now located. Along with Vestavia and the Lakeview District, they co-own restaurants in Hoover and Trussville.

Eric Witherington said the restaurant business is all he’s ever known professionally after working as a dishwasher, bartender, waiter or cook at numerous restaurants. It was during a trip to Colorado that Kevin Witherington met the chain’s founders, who sold him on the idea of bringing Moe’s Original Bar B Que to this area.

Changes at the new location include seating in a patio area, the return of a full bar and a drive-through, along with better parking. Eric Witherington said live music may also be offered outside at the new location.

Like the Trussville restaurant, which is also owned by the Witheringtons and includes a drive-through, the new location will also offer a “traveling light” special that includes a sandwich, chips and drink.

Witherington said he has affection for the former location that was opened in September 2007, noting it was the first Moe’s location he and his brother started in Birmingham. 

 “I think we just outgrew it,” he said.

He estimates the restaurant has seen a 40 percent increase in business at its new location.

“The old location was built to be a gas station,” Eric Witherington said. “This building was built to be a restaurant.”