The Grove and JT's BBQ restaurant in Greytown, previously reported on by the Times-Age, fired up the ovens and grills for a trial night with family, friends and contractors on Friday night.
In time-honoured barbecue tradition, the man with the tongs - co-owner Jonathan Tanner - was kept company by beer-drinking men at his grill and pizza oven, within a refurbished shipping container and open to the warm evening light.
Mr Tanner was kept busy with burgers and pizzas for the guests.
He said the restaurant, specialising in slow-cooked barbecue meats, would be open properly on Friday and Saturday nights from this point, and will eventually open six nights.
The Grove Delicatessen will later open as a "New York-style" delicatessen.
