NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – Well-known Dog-N-Burger Grille in Norfolk is closing after 50 years in business and another restaurant is opening in its place.

Redwood Smoke Shack  made the announcement on its Facebook page Wednesday.

WAVY News 10’s Laura Caso spoke to the owner of the new barbeque restaurant moving into Ghent. He said even though he knows that Dog-N-Burger closing is sad for the community, he is excited about growing his business and is ready to open up shop as soon as possible.

“It just fits what we are. I wanted a community BBQ spot and what better community to be in than Ghent? We’ve been working this deal out for about 15 months, and the first time I walked here to take a look at it, I thought, this is the spot. It just progressed and then the deal was dead for a while and then it popped back up and we made it work,” said Bob Roberts, Owner of Redwood Smoke Shack.

Dog-N-Burger owner Jerry Meltsner said it’s just the right time for him to step away. 

“I’m sure that most of our long time customers will struggle to understand the closing of Dog n Burger. Over the past 30 something years, it has been my passion to keep DnB true to its origins, but now is the appropriate time in my personal life to transition, to take into account my grandchildren and other family needs plus the running of two very popular restaurants. Sometimes, it’s necessary to take opportunities when they present themselves.”

He says Roberts has a true passion for his barbeque and the restaurant business, and knows the new spot will be great for the community. 

Dog-N-Burger’s last business day will be Wednesday, March 13. Meltsner says even though he won’t have the Manteo street location, there’s no ruling out a return of Dog-N-Burger. 

“Who knows? it could reappear one day.”