Smoke on the Water will soon break ground for a new restaurant on Beacon Road

One of Greenville's favorite eateries has confirmed its return by mid-fall as Smoke on the Water will open its new restaurant at 64 Beacon Road.

In January 2024, the longtime West End staple announced a move out of downtown Greenville after 20 years as a popular Southern barbecue restaurant at 1 Augusta St.

The gastropub and restaurant initially announced the move into its new location on the east side of Greenville for sometime in 2025, but without a specific date.

Since its closing at 1 Augusta Street, Nick & Normans has taken over the former Smoke on the Water site, retaining the old restaurant's accents in its wood-based bar to pay respects.

The popular barbecue restaurant recently cleared the final stages of planning, permitting, and design work and will break ground on its new food space on July 21.

"It's been a long road," said Mike Shuler, owner of Smoke on the Water. "But now we're focused on building something better for our community in a great location.

The new location is expected to feature an expanded kitchen with a rustic and Southern aesthetic within the building, introducing a fresh new look to mark its new era in Greenville.

Smoke on the Water plans to continue offering live music during specific hours, smoky Southern sauces, and new menu items to be announced closer to opening.

"We can't wait to see all our familiar friends and new ones we have yet to meet," said Schuler. "We're thrilled to finally break ground."