A former N.C. Highway Patrol major and his wife have opened a barbecue restaurant in the Cleveland community.

Charlie and Kim Carden are the owners of Charlie’s BBQ & Grille at 8948 Cleveland Road in the former Tater’s Grille space.

Carden is no stranger to barbecue. He owned a restaurant for three years in Alamance County, and the Cleveland resident has been serving barbecue for pig pickings for more than 30 years.

After retiring from the Highway Patrol last October, Carden decided to delve back into the business he loved. “We are still trying to do things the old-fashioned away,” he said of his Cleveland eatery.

“Nothing comes from the freezer. Everything is done by hand, even the hushpuppies. They are individually made. They do not come from a machine.”

The eatery offers hand-pulled barbecue, barbecued chicken, ribs, desserts, french fries, sweet potato fries, potato salad, green beans, boiled potatoes and baked beans.

“My barbecue sauce is a blend of vinegar, ketchup and brown sugar with a kick,” Carden said. “It is a sweet spicy sauce.”

Items can be ordered in bulk for large events and parties. “We could do catering, but we are trying to encourage people to let me prepare the meal for them and they pick it up,” Carden said. “They save 32 percent by picking it up. Otherwise you pay for a dog and pony show.”

Charlie’s BBQ & Grille is open from 11 a.m. till 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more details, call 934-0093 or write to cjcarden@embarqmail.com.

Getting fit in Clayton

A new fitness club has opened in Clayton.

Lisa Johnson is the owner and manager of Vinson Ridge Racquet & Fitness Club in Knolls at the Neuse subdivision.

The club offers five clay tennis courts, a swimming pool, a fitness room, a clubhouse and classes. Mike See, a professional tennis player, offers lessons and clinics year-round to members and nonmembers.

Vinson Ridge Racquet & Fitness Club is at 45 Summit Overlook Drive. It is open from 8 a.m. till 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. till 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. till 6 p.m. Sundays. For more information, including membership costs, call 550-0300 or e-mail vinsonridge-lisa@nc.rr.com.

Corral has new owner

The Golden Corral in Smithfield has a new owner.

Former general manager Eric Brownlee has purchased the franchise under the name of Mid-Carolina Hospitality. Brownlee has 22 years of experience in the restaurant industry.

Golden Corral has a variety of food choices, including hot meats, pasta, pizza, fresh vegetables, a salad bar and breakfast on the weekends.

The restaurant is at 1319 N. Bright Leaf Blvd. Hours are 11 a.m. till 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. till 11 p.m. Fridays, 7:30 a.m. till 11 p.m. Saturdays and 7:30 a.m. till 10 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call 934-0508 or go to www.goldencorral.net.

Alltell in Smithfield

Alltell Wireless has opened at 1237 N. Bright Leaf Blvd. in Smithfield. Store hours are 10 a.m. till 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon till 5 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call 934-3460.