By MATT LINDSEY

POTSDAM – A new southern bourbon barbeque restaurant opened July 14 on Elm Street offering smoked meats, catering and an American-themed setting.

Bourbon Barrel Bar-b-que opened at 6 Elm St., above Between the Buns.

“I think we’ve created a new niche in town and are providing an opportunity to get a great meal and this should be a great addition to the area,” said owner Marc Morley.

Morley also owns Hot Tamale restaurants in Potsdam and Canton.

“We had a large space above Between the Buns that was not getting used,” he said. “We wanted to create a new concept.”

Morley says the new business venture will help cover costs of the building and he wanted to offer a new type of barbeque in the area.

Meats from the smoker will include barbequed brisket, pulled pork, ribs, sausage and chicken. Steaks and seafood dishes will also be available, along with a variety of hot and cold sides.

For those looking to have a party, wedding, or other event catered; Morley says the will offer a catering service to the area in addition to the restaurant.

Smoked meats, along with cold salads like macaroni, potato and pasta, as well as warm side dishes such as baked beans, macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes will all be offered, he said.

“A lot of people like barbeque when they cater,” Morley said.

The new eatery will employ about 15 to 20 people, Morley said.

“We’ve created quite a few jobs for the area and that is good,” he said.

There is room for over 100 people to be seated, with 20 bar stools at the bar and 85 chairs set up at tables.

Morley says work was done to remodel the dining room and a whole new kitchen area was created specifically for the new eatery. Food will be prepared separately from Between the Buns.

The upstairs was split into two rooms; those who want to dine in a bar setting and those who do not, he said.

The overall theme is American. The room is decorated with large American flags, bourbon barrels and whiskey photos.

The bar will offer about 20 different bourbons, with specialty bourbon drinks, and mostly American beers, Morley said.

“We wan to be as American as we can,” he said.

Dan Martin will oversee Bourbon Barrel Bar-b-que in a general manager capacity, along with continuing his duties running Between the Buns.

Darren Olmstead is the restaurants head chef and Nancy DeFilippo is the bar manager, covering Bourbon Barrel Bar-b-que, Between the Buns and the outside bar.

The restaurant will be open seven days a week, from 4 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

For more info, request catering or menu info: visit https://www.facebook.com/bourbonbarrelbbqpotsdam/ or call 268-1111.