Interior and exterior construction has started on Memphis Barbeque, a new BBQ restaurant in Crystal City.

The restaurant is taking the place of the now-shuttered Mackey’s Public House on 23rd Street, between Crystal Drive and Jefferson Davis Highway. The official word is that the restaurant will open in “late summer,” but ARLnow.com projects a later fall or winter opening.

According to the Washington Business Journal’s Missy Frederick, owner and restaurant veteran Chris George is planning to spend $750,000 renovating the 5,500 square foot space into a proper barbeque joint, complete with a large outdoor patio.

“Meats will be prepared with the help of smokers and a hickory wood grill,” WBJ reported. Traditional barbeque dishes will be supplemented with new creations like barbeque egg rolls.

Photo courtesy of ‘Terry’