SALISBURY — Guess who’s coming to Salisbury? Chick-n-Ale.
Stan Lineberry of Taylorsville plans to open the new “quick casual” restaurant specializing in chicken and craft beer this fall in the former Uncle Bucks location at 117 E. Innes St.
The business has been teasing Salisbury with a sign on the window asking who’s coming to town and a Facebook page posing the same question.
Lineberry pulled permits at the city’s One Stop Shop for Development for the restaurant that, according to its Facebook page, plans to open in September and will feature soul food like warm pecan cobbler topped with vanilla bean ice cream, cream corn cornbread and white cheddar mac and cheese.
Michael Young, who owns the historic building, said a variety of restaurants were vying for the space, which has been vacant since Uncle Bucks All American Pub & Grub relocated last year to South Main Street.
Young said Lineberry met all of his requirements, including possessing a business plan and previous experience in the restaurant industry.
“And they were well-capitalized,” Young said. “That’s important in the restaurant industry.”
Lineberry has several investor partners, but none are from Salisbury, Young said. After searching across the Piedmont, Lineberry chose Salisbury for the flagship Chick-n-Ale location and already plans to open franchises in other cities, Young said.
Renovations are under way in the building, including expanding the existing platform area and changing the way customers flow through the restaurant. Like the Palms on West Innes Street, diners at Chick-n-Ale will go to the counter, place their order, receive a number and sit down to have their food delivered to the table, Young said.
Chick-n-Ale will offer outdoor seating, including tables in front of next-door neighbor Curiosities Gifts, where owner Brandy Dry saw a good opportunity to partner with the eatery and allow diners to do a little window shopping from their tables.
While Salisbury is flush with burger joints and barbecue restaurants, chicken specialties and craft beer is a unique combination, Young said. Chick-n-Ale will offer a rotating variety of local craft ales at a great price, Lineberry said.
His proposal also caught Young’s attention because if Chick-n-Ale does not work out after three years, Lineberry has several other established franchise restaurants that could take its place, Young said.
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.