After years of perseverance through setbacks, the owners of Metalworks BBQ are finally preparing to open its doors in downtown Mead. According to posts from the business, they are nearing the finish line and will soon welcome guests at the property they’ve worked so hard to ready, 323 Main Street.
The building has had many uses over the years, including a post office, glass art store, and landscaping office. Records show that the owners were awarded a $5,000 revitalization grant by the Town of Mead last year for exterior improvements such as new windows, siding, storefront door, awning, handicap-accessible ramp, and façade paint.
Don and Christine Smith are the owners of the establishment, and they’ve done much of the work themselves. He is a retired Marine and former architectural millwork business owner who handled a lot of the metalwork for the property. Christine has been working on finishing touches inside, including tile work, paint, and textures. She also has a F&B background and is developing the menu.
The Smiths have kept the town updated through social media as they hit a number of roadblocks to opening. Community posts show they were initially targeting to open last spring. Don has been vocal online about his issues with the town management and the permitting process.
