Few Gaston County restaurants have a more loyal customer base than Kyle Fletcher’s Barbeque and Catering in Lowell. Kyle Fletcher, who started the restaurant in 1996 with his brother-in-law Steve Deaton, died Thursday night of respiratory and cardiac issues at CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia. He was 70.
“Those of you who knew Kyle knew him as a generous, loyal, honest and fun-loving man who loved his wife, Julie, and daughter, Kristin Briann Fletcher, to the moon and back,” wrote his brother, Donny Fletcher, on Facebook. “He loved his family, his Tar Heels, his (South Point High School) Red Raiders, Gaston County, and his country, as well as his many friends… and his beloved restaurant.”
Fletcher’s catering business also is hugely popular, and the business supports schools and sports teams beyond just his Red Raiders. Kyle Fletcher’s also was a favorite of former UNC basketball coach Roy Williams, who was known to stop there when passing through town. Members of the UNC men’s basketball team also have made several stops there over the years.
The cinderblock and brick restaurant is neither fancy nor large, seating maybe 70, although that might be generous. Many customers order take-out rather than risk having to wait for a table. Everyone pays cash. Kyle’s doesn’t take credit or debit cards. No alcohol is sold, although individually wrapped oatmeal pies are usually for sale next to the lone cash register. The sign outside features images of Deaton’s and Fletcher’s faces separated by their slogan, “Get Porked at Kyle’s.” The restaurant closes the week of the Fourth of July and Christmas every year.
Its small lot could make parking difficult to navigate, and unless traveling west, even getting to the entrance required a U-turn at a stoplight on the four-lane U.S. 74/Wilkinson Boulevard. One whiff of the Boston butts cooking from the large smokers under a covering outside created enough anticipation to make any inconveniences forgotten.
Kyle’s serves huge portions at a low cost. A large barbecue plate with beans, slaw and fries is $8.69; a large pork barbecue sandwich is $4.79; and my personal favorite, a fried “baloney” is $3.79 (Get it with chili, mustard and slaw. Trust me.). The sweet tea is just right, and some call their hamburgers the best. I’ve always ordered either barbecue or what I consider the world’s greatest “baloney” sandwich.
Fletcher is survived by his wife, Julie, and daughter, Kristin Briann Fletcher. Kristin works at the restaurant, and she and the other wait staff seem to know most of the customers by name.
Besides the food, customers who love the Tar Heels will enjoy the framed front pages of different newspapers featuring UNC basketball team national championship wins and other memorabilia. State and Duke fans might want to sit closer to the framed front pages of my former employer, The Gaston Gazette, showcasing when South Point won state titles in football. There are also plenty of NASCAR collectibles.
Funeral services will take place 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, at McLean Funeral Directors, 700 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia.