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SUFFOLK, Virginia — It was not the call Redwood Smoke Shack Pitmaster Bob Roberts was expecting on a Friday evening, but one that brought Robert to his new location in Suffolk late that night.

According to Suffolk Police, an 18-year-old driver of a white pickup truck drove into the side of the shack’s rear building, located at 3885 Bridge Rd.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue also responded to the scene, securing the building after the vehicle was removed. No one was injured in the crash, and the cause is still under investigation.

On Monday, Roberts spoke to Suffolk News-Herald about the incident.

“I was sleeping and got woken up by somebody telling me that I probably should come up there because there’s a truck that drove through the building,” Roberts said. “And so I got on site and there were, you know, half-dozen police cars and fire trucks and everything, and then there was an F-150 sticking halfway out of the side of the rear 3885 building on the property.”

While repair plans are in the works, Roberts says he doesn’t believe the accident should delay the grand opening, which is currently scheduled for the fall.

“It’s a whole different building, so I don’t really foresee any delay. My contractors do need some of the materials that were stored in that garage bay that are under all the cinder block and brick veneer. So I am waiting on the adjuster from their insurance company to come out to take a look at it, so we can then start removing all this debris and rubble to figure out [if] the material salvageable or do I have to go out and source some more,” Roberts said. “Now the materials that I am more concerned about are this reclaimed barn board that I bought for the entire inside of the building to give it the look, the vibe, that we go for at Redwood and I can’t even see the pile of wood, because it’s under all this block. So fingers crossed that there won’t be much damage to that.”
Roberts also detailed an antique fire truck within the bay that was “moved two inches” due to the impact that also needs to be looked at. Likewise, he detailed that he and the Redwood Smoke Shack team are shooting for a Saturday, Nov. 9 grand opening date at their location of 3881 Bridge Rd.

“As of right now, we’re moving forward for that day. You know, can’t stop, won’t stop, man. We’re just moving forward, right? A little bump in the road ain’t gonna stop me,” Roberts enthusiastically said.

Likewise, Roberts addressed Suffolk residents eagerly anticipating the grand opening, thanking everyone who shared their support and making sure they were okay.

“…we’re very thankful for the residents of Suffolk and all the passersby for all the support that we’ve gotten so far. And you know, we’re just excited to get open and start filling the air with smoke and serving Suffolk and all the passersby our wonderful Texas-inspired barbecue,” he said.