MURFREESBORO — A new smokehouse is joining the local dining scene when City Barbeque opens its doors in Murfreesboro on July 20. The restaurant will operate at 107 N. Thompson Lane and mark the launch with a morning ribbon-cutting event led by the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce.
Grand opening and community kickoff
The official celebration, billed as a Rib’n & Ribbon Cutting, is scheduled for 10 a.m. on opening day. Organizers say the first 50 guests in line will receive a gift bag that includes a branded T-shirt, a bottle of the chain’s signature sauce and gift cards valued between $5 and $50.
“We’re excited to open our doors in Murfreesboro, but even more excited to become part of the community,” said City Barbeque CEO Mike Muldoon.
Menu, hours and services
City Barbeque prepares meats on site over hickory wood and pairs them with sides and desserts made from scratch. The menu will feature smoked brisket, pulled pork, St. Louis ribs, smoked turkey and chicken alongside traditional Southern sides.
- Signature meats: smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, turkey, chicken
- Scratch-made sides: mac and cheese, baked beans, collard greens, fried okra, coleslaw
- Service options: dine-in, carryout, delivery, and full-service catering
The company highlighted catering as a service for office lunches, school events, private celebrations and larger gatherings — a service timed to be available in advance of the upcoming football season.
Hours of operation
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday–Thursday | 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| Friday–Saturday | 10:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
Local context and what it means for Murfreesboro
The arrival of City Barbeque adds another quick-casual barbeque option to Murfreesboro’s dining mix and brings a national brand’s community-focused approach to the city. The restaurant’s emphasis on on-site smoking and scratch sides signals staffing needs in both kitchen and front-of-house roles; the opening day event and first-day promotions are likely to draw local residents and visitors to the North Thompson Lane corridor.
As restaurants compete for diners in a busy Middle Tennessee market, offerings such as full-service catering can extend a new establishment’s reach beyond regular meals by serving schools, offices and community events. The chain’s stated goal of being part of the local community suggests the new location may pursue partnerships and participation in Rutherford County activities over time.
For more information about the Murfreesboro location, customers are directed to the City Barbeque website and the company’s social media channels.
