Demolition sites make way for new business

After an extended period of inactivity, two properties within a quarter of a mile of each other are undergoing big changes.

The building which housed the former KFC/Taco Bell l at 324 Carbon City Road is being leveled. The property, where a convenience store was also located, has been vacant for more than three years.

Tal Stephanides, broker for Norvell Properties, said before demolition began the property was subjected to trespassing, homeless encampments, graffiti, and overnight parking.

“Having a vacant building is never good. Nobody likes vacant buildings. A cleared, empty lot will look better,” Stephanides said. “It’s for the better. … It’ll limit the ability for building damage.”

According to Stephanides, the buildings were beyond repair. He believes a cleared, empty lot will look better in the meantime.

Norvell Properties shares 50/50 ownership with Fulenwider Enterprises of the 2.35-acre lot. Fulenwider Enterprises is known for franchising the first Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants in Morganton. As of 2022, Fulenwider Enterprises reportedly has more than 149 restaurants in six states.

“Sheetz is doing well, traffic has picked up, and with the repairs that needed to be done, it didn’t make sense to keep it there,” Stephanides said, referring to what prompted the demolition.

Norvell Properties became owners of the site as a family-involved business with Swan Corporation in 1978.

According to Stephanides, both buildings will be completely down by the end of next week. He says the plan is to redevelop the site to support two to three different uses on the property.

Stephanides said the future of the property is yet to be determined, but Norvell hopes the location will be home to a fast food restaurant and retail establishments.

“The company is in serious talks with prospective tenants,” Stephanides said.

The Honey Hog

Just a few blocks away, demolition is currently underway at the future location of The Honey Hog Restaurant at 300 Carbon City Road after receiving its zoning permit in January.

The restaurant plans to specialize in whole hog barbecue, brisket, ribs, and chicken. Owners of The Honey Hog also own Bones Jones Burgers & Butchery on N.C. 126 near Lake James.

According to a Facebook post by The Honey Hog Restaurant, the famous pig illustration on the outside of the building will be destroyed, but a new “Honey Hog” will be painted on the walls of the new building.

The restaurant will keep its smokestack and hog cooker.

To honor the former Genes Drive-In location, bricks from the original building will be placed in the walls of the new building. The building was also once home to Hursey’s Bar-B-Q. Hursey’s announced its closure in March 2023 after 30 years of operation.

According to The Honey Hog’s social media site, the new restaurant will feature viewing windows into the smokehouse, new reverse flow smokers, a full bar, and whole hog barbecue from local farmers in the community. In addition, the back of the restaurant will feature an indoor/outdoor bar patio and fire pit.

The concept rendering shows the front view of the building featuring non-illuminated channel letters and a front rock facade. R&R Ironworks will work on the roof structure.

The new and improved restaurant is set to open in 2025.