Laid

Barbecue is returning to the former site of famed Carl's Perfect Pig in White Bluff.

Pig N Pub at the Bluff is expected to open this fall, combining Southern restaurant charm with beach bar vibes.

Michael Johnson, the new owner of the building where thousands of Carl Teitloff's patrons enjoyed pork and ribs for over 30 years — some local daily customers, others out-of-towners like celebrity chef Emeril — is familiar with the Perfect Pig mystique.

Johnson's business, JWC Specialties, has been located for years next door to the restaurant on Highway 70 about 30 miles west of Nashville in Dickson County.

A complete makeover of the building is underway for Pig N Pub.

"The plan is to be a go-to spot for dining entertainment," said Johnson, who is owner of the over 50-year-old family business.

He's still fine-tuning the menu but plans to serve barbecued pulled pork and ribs, beef brisket, chicken, roast beef, smoked fish and a few other specialties. The restaurant will also have a liquor license, Johnson said.

He plans for an area with live music as well as a karaoke machine, juke box and other music options. Johnson said he's "incorporating ideas from several places I have been to before and liked."

Local models for the business' style include Nashville's Loveless Cafe and Corner Pub. He's also borrowing from Conchy Joes on Florida's east coast in Jensen Beach as well as other Florida eateries.

Johnson also hopes to have outdoor and indoor activities, such as corn hole, video games at tables, TVs and more. He hopes the restaurant will appeal to bikers, car enthusiasts and tourists.

Johnson's JWC company services include metal roofing, metal wall systems, solar panels, pre-engineered steel buildings and retrofit insulation.

Johnson has never worked in the restaurant industry.

In that way, he's like Teitloff, who was over 30 years old when he bought the White Bluff convenience store that would become the Perfect Pig. Teitloff had never barbecued a day in his life — he had on-the-job education.

Similarly, Johnson is learning as he goes.

"I am listening when (a restauranteur or service worker) speaks," Johnson said.

More:Carl retires from Perfect Pig after 34 years. A look back at a Dickson County institution.