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Riding high on the hog

Ole Time Barbecue expands to Garner, rides motorcycles for charity

By Barry E. Moore
Executive Editor

Carolina barbecue is both distinctive in flavor and history, yet there are as many recipes for pork barbecue as there are people who love to eat it. There are recipes for dry rubs, wet rubs, vinegar-based sauces, tomato-based sauces – the list goes on.

Hart poses with members of the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, which provided the escort for Ride for Kids. BARRY MOORE, GCNT

In North Carolina alone, the variety, style and taste of the Carolina ‘cue can differ drastically depending on where in the Tar Heel state it originates. And many of the pit masters who provide the hungry masses with barbecue are as well-known throughout the state as politicians or celebrities are. It’s a big business with a big following.

Garner has its own celebrity chef who’s known if not by name then by his restaurant, Ole Time Barbecue. Jerry Hart, a local brought up in a family rich in barbecue history, recently expanded his Hillsborough Street chain in Raleigh to include a location at 1701 Pinewinds Drive, across from the Super Wal-Mart. The grand opening on Thursday, May 7 entertained a packed crowd of Chamber members and pork fans.

Hart is everything he appears to be and more. His personality is as robust as his stature, and when he barks out orders to staff and customers alike, he voice resonates throughout his restaurant like that of a Marine Corps drill sergeant. But there’s a twinkle in his eye when he does.

“If you don’t want anything else, pay and get out. I ain’t running a daycare here,” he bellows at patrons but follows in a Southern drawl with, “Y’all have a good day and come back soon.”

But no one minds. They merely grin and move toward the register, satisfied with the meal and the entertainment that Hart provides.

A history of tradition

Originally from Farmville, Hart attended Wake Tech Community College and received a degree in drafting in the early 1970s. After working at several locations in drafting, he ended up at Jimmie’s Market, a grocery store on South Wilmington Street in Raleigh, for 10 years.

After leaving Jimmie’s Market, he sold restaurant equipment in Raleigh. It was there that Hart met a customer who owned a restaurant on Hillsborough Street. When the owner passed away, Hart bought the restaurant from the bank in 1993 and re-opened Ole Time Barbecue.

Hart’s restaurant endeavor began before 1993, however, rooted in his relationship with his grandfather. On his Web site, oletimebarbecue.com, Hart explains how he ended up in the business:

“It all started when I was a young child helping my grandpa cook [barbecue]. My grandpa, ‘Quillie’ Gray of Snow Hill, N.C., was pretty well-known for his barbecue. Growing up with Grandpa, I learned that time and patience are the first ingredients for good barbecue. Grandpa Quillie and I talked of one day opening our own barbecue house.

“Unfortunately, Grandpa passed away before this ever happened. Opening Ole Time Barbecue became a quest for me.”

During 16 years in business, Hart says he has worked hard to keep his grandfather’s Ole Time traditions instilled in his restaurant’s food and service. Ole Time Barbecue was recently rated one of the Top Ten Barbecue Restaurants in North Carolina and has been nominated for Citysearch’s “Best of.”

Steps to success

Hart’s business and fame continue to grow. He has been featured on the Food Network, and he has served George Walker Bush, Jesse Helms, Elizabeth Dole, NASA astronaut Catherine Coleman, actor Gary Collins and musician Allison Krauss.

Ole Time Barbecue was even dished out of the Stanley Cup at the RBC Center after the Carolina Hurricanes won the 2006 championship.

Hart’s barbecue influence is spreading beyond the state boundaries as well. In 2008 he received his federal license to ship barbecue within the country. And last year a West Point Cadet from Cary took some of Hart’s barbecue up to the military academy in New York. An officer got a taste of Ole Time Barbecue, and now Hart will cater his ‘cue to the West Point Class of 2009 graduates on Memorial Day.

A love for hogs

Hart’s love for hogs doesn’t stop at the pork kind; one of his biggest hobbies is motorcycling. Hart has been able to parlay his two passions into a worthy cause – the Ride for Kids, which helps fund the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation in finding a cure for childhood brain tumors.

As a member of the Harley Owners Group, Hart has motivated the group to raise money for Ride for Kids and other kid organizations. He also personally raises money for the children’s groups through his restaurant.

Two weekends ago, Hart participated in Ride for Kids at Jordan Lake. The event attracted hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts, volunteers and families of children with brain tumors. The kids were allowed to go hunting and to ride motorcycles. The roughly 70-mile motorcycle road trip wraps back around to Jordan Lake with presentations and lunch.

As a result of his fundraising efforts, Hart raised more than $27,000 for the organization.

The success of his restaurant has allowed him to pursue such endeavors, and if the past 16 years have proven anything, it’s that his barbecue business and influence will continue to expand.

Ole Time Barbecue serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Catering is also offered for parties and celebrations. Ole Time Barbecue is open Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.

Related articles:

• Restaurant Review: Ole Time Barbecue
• Jerry’s kids give back

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