Way Down South's mission is to bring the tradition and spirit of American Southern hospitality and smoked meats way up north. In the last four years, it has become one of the most established barbecue restaurants in northern Europe in terms of growth, quality, and public success.

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Beginnings. Way Down South was founded in 2015 by Ann Lee (whose family resides in North Carolina), as the supplementary kitchen to the old Crossroads club. Australians Tim Steinhardt (St. Lars) and Lee Harvey were recruited as head chefs. WDS's first landmark success was a 6 rating in Dagsavisen. Despite the positive response, the landlords gave WDS a two weeks notice to vacate the premises with the intention of selling the lease. 
 

Thanks largely to press coverage upon the notice, a new location is quickly offered in GrünerlØkka. WDS agree to license the company to form a new restaurant, Way Down South LØkka AS. For two years, the small 35-seater shop is packed.

Navigating the tight arrangement at 'LØkka, the team seizes a growth opportunity by Akerselva. Today, the WDS family continually develops its recipes and gathers inspiration studying and travelling together to the best BBQ sites around the world. In 2021, the owners seek avenues for expansion and dream of one day building a gigantic smokehouse!

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Long live the `cue.