Prime STQ, a barbecue-meets-steakhouse concept from award-winning pitmaster Christopher Prieto, is targeting a spring 2027 opening at 1151 Hitchings Way in Durham’s Horseshoe at Hub RTP. Research Triangle Park announced the development, alongside news that Carolina Hurricanes defenseman and Stanley Cup champion Jaccob Slavin had joined Prieto as a business partner.
The approximately 8,000-square-foot restaurant will occupy a standalone building designed to accommodate 250 guests, with indoor and outdoor seating and a private dining room overlooking the pit room. According to Research Triangle Park, the concept will combine Prieto’s established barbecue approach with a classic steakhouse experience, drawing on his Texas roots, North Carolina home and Puerto Rican heritage.
Slavin will take a behind-the-scenes role in the partnership, supporting Prieto as a business partner. The announcement describes the venture as his first involvement in the restaurant industry. The relationship developed through a friendship between the two, with their shared values and commitment to community playing a role in the decision to work together.
“Partnering with Jaccob is one of the most meaningful moments of my career because it’s rooted in a friendship and shared faith that shapes how we think about serving others,” Prieto said in the announcement.
Slavin also spoke about his connection to the area and the opportunity to become involved in the project. “My family and I love this community. It’s why we choose to stay here year-round, it truly feels like home,” he said.
According to the publication, Prieto is the founder and pitmaster behind Prime Barbecue in Knightdale and Primo Latin Cuisine. The announcement also highlights his 2025 James Beard Foundation nomination for Best Chef Southeast, Prime Barbecue’s MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand recognition, his appearances on Food Network programs including BBQ Pitmasters, BBQ Brawl and Chopped, and his cookbook, Southern Living’s Ultimate Book of BBQ: The Complete Year-Round Guide to Grilling and Smoking.
With Prieto’s barbecue background and Slavin’s involvement, the Durham project will add a new steakhouse-focused concept to the Horseshoe dining destination ahead of its anticipated spring 2027 opening.
