Howard's Delicatessen to Become Barbecue Restaurant, Bar

After 50 years in Smyrna, Howard’s Delicatessen closed its doors for the final time in August. Soon, the iconic restaurant could be given new life as a barbecue restaurant and bar.

Tomorrow’s News Today reports that plans have been developed to convert the building at 652 Concord Road into “The Crafty Hog,” a combined barbecue restaurant and bar. The Crafty Hog is the brainchild of Gibney’s Pub owner John Gibney.

According to The Crafty Hog’s website, the restaurant will boast three full bars, two bocce ball courts, two horseshoe pits, and a wide selection of craft beers and bourbons. The anticipated operating hours for the restaurant are Sunday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 a.m.

Acworth chef Ray Lovell, who founded a catering company in Long Island, is returning to his roots to be the head chef of The Crafty Hog.

Lovell’s menu includes southern pickle fry, brisket chili, jalapeno bacon popcorn, smoked pastrami, and a full range of salads.

Tomorrow’s News Today speculates that The Crafty Hog will be open for business early in 2015, owing to the laborious process of filing permits and getting approvals from the City of Smyrna.

Howard’s Delicatessen, owned by Bobby and Sandra Martin, first opened in 1964 and was recently featured in the film “Joyful Noise” starring Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah.