Count Porkula BBQ is opening its first standalone restaurant in partnership with JTJ Restaurants LLC.

 

The Little Rock barbecue favorite will be opening the restaurant at the former Ozark Country Restaurant location, at 201 Keightly Drive in Little Rock.The design phase has already begun with an expected opening in early 2022.

 

In addition to JTJ Restaurants, Michael Bodnar of Fresh Hospitality and Mark Waldo of Waldo’s Chicken and Beer will be part of the restaurant partnership.

 

Count Porkula’s new restaurant will be 2,900-square-feet with both indoor and outdoor seating and a full bar. The restaurant will also offer curbside, to-go and online ordering.

 

“We are honored and excited to be partnering with Kelly and Walt to help expand their business and complete their dream to have a stand-alone BBQ joint,” JTJ Restaurants president Tommy Keet said in a statement. “Kelly and Walt have all the attributes we look for in partnerships – an unwavering commitment to quality and customer service, determination, character, a strong work ethic, and amazing food! ”

 

Currently, Count Porkula operates out of the Rail Yard in the East Village of Little Rock, a location that will remain the restaurant’s “cornerstone.”

 

Established in 2008, Count Porkula has evolved over the past decade, going from a food truck to establishing a fixed location in 2018 at the Rail Yard. Kelly Lovell and Walt Todd are the founders of the restaurant.

 

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Image courtesy of Count Porkula