Gallery: L&J’s BBQ Grand Opening

Pictured, left to right: Tina Woodson-Johnson, Larry Johnson and Jamie Hoffman (Photo Credit: Andra Landi)

Pictured, left to right: Tina Woodson-Johnson, Larry Johnson and Jamie Hoffman (Photo Credit: Andra Landi)

Belle Garber paints a floral design on Mac Hampshar’s face. (Photo Credit: Andra Landi)

Cheap Whiskey performed country and rock hits during Saturday’s event. (Photo Credit: Andra Landi)

Cheap Whiskey performed country and rock hits during Saturday’s event. (Photo Credit: Andra Landi)

Larry Johnson and 99.7 CYK radio personality Pam Garrison select raffle winners. (Photo Credit: Andra Landi)

Pam Garrison and monster truck show raffle winner Keaton Crane (Photo Credit: Andra Landi)

L&J’s BBQ is located at 152 Caroline St. in downtown Orange. (Photo Credit: Andra Landi)

Locally owned restaurant L&J’s BBQ celebrated its grand opening Saturday, March 18. In addition to an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, customers were treated to face painting and live music by country-rock band Cheap Whiskey. Country music station 99.7 CYK reported live from the event and raffled off monster truck and Kenny Chesney concert tickets.

Co-owners Larry Johnson and Jamie Hoffman are lifelong friends from Gordonsville. They kept up with each other over the years, even volunteering at the fire company together before teaming up to start their joint venture.

“We ended up getting back together and just started with some small catering. Larry and I both enjoy cooking, so I was glad he brought me along to give him a hand, and at last we got our opportunity to do this,” Hoffman said.

Johnson shared that the support he and Hoffman received from the community during their food truck days was critical to their ability to expand the business, and that they’ve continued to receive that support since opening their brick-and-mortar location.

“It’s meant everything,” Johnson said. “You’ve got to start somewhere.”

See the slideshow above for photos from Saturday’s festivities. L&J’s BBQ is located at 152 Caroline St in downtown Orange. For more information, visit the restaurant’s Facebook page here or call (540) 500-9350. L&J’s BBQ serves traditional smoked favorites like brisket, ribs and pulled pork, plus mouthwatering sides (seriously, don’t miss out on the greens).