Harrison Thorp 12:20 p.m.
Tuesday, November 12, 2019 12:19 pm

Bob Benoit in front of his new restaurant, which is at the site of the former Mel Flanagan's Pub; inset some of his catering handiwork. (Rochester Voice file photo)

ROCHESTER - Mitchell Hill Barbecue held a soft opening on Veterans Day and will open to the public on Wednesday, owner Bob Benoit said on Monday.

The soft opening was for about 100 family and invited guests, he said.

The Wednesday opening will be followed by a grand opening on Friday after a ribbon cutting with the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce at 11 a.m.

Benoit knows his way around a smoker. He and his wife, Roxanne, have had a barbecue catering business for seven years.

Among the new equipment brought in to ensure the best barbecue around is a Myron Mixon Smoker, one of the premier purveyors of commercial barbecue cookery.

Benoit describes his style of barbecue as "sweet with heat," and says the key to good smoking is timing.

"It's like five hours for ribs, maybe nine for brisket," he said.

Mitchell Hill will also feature charbroiled steaks, homemade sausage and burgers.