The Pit Backyard BBQ
Family-Owned Barbeque Restaurant
John & Heather White
About The Pit Backyard BBQ
The Pit Backyard BBQ is a locally owned, family-run barbecue restaurant in Leland, NC, founded by John and Heather White. After calling the Leland area home for eight years, the family wanted to create a place centered around great food, genuine hospitality, and community.
Their connection to gluten-free dining is personal. Celiac disease affects one of the owners and two of their children, along with other autoimmune diseases and food allergies. That experience helped shape The Pit’s approach to gluten-free dining and their desire to create a restaurant where guests with dietary restrictions can find plenty of options and feel more comfortable dining out.
The Pit is also deeply involved in the local community through their church, youth sports, volunteering, and the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce. The restaurant has been recognized as a North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce Best New Member and received a WWAY Viewer’s Choice Award for Best BBQ.
Gluten-Free Bakery, Kitchen Practices & Commitment to Safety
The Pit does not have a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, but they have specific procedures in place for preparing gluten-free orders.
The restaurant has a dedicated gluten-free fryer used only for gluten-free items. For gluten-free preparation, employees change gloves, wipe down preparation areas, use clean utensils, and take care not to allow gluten-containing foods to come into contact with areas where gluten-free food will be placed.
Fried gluten-free items also have separate holding areas and tongs. The team communicates throughout the process, and when a guest identifies that they have celiac disease or need a gluten-free meal, the kitchen is made aware so the order can be handled appropriately.
Key team members receive specialized training, and staff are trained to answer gluten-free questions and communicate with the kitchen. The Pit also says they are continually working to improve their training and procedures. Pasted text
What You'll Find at The Pit Backyard BBQ
According to The Pit, “our menu is more gluten free than not.” Gluten-free menu items are clearly marked, making it easier to identify available options.
A large portion of the menu is gluten-free, and many options are also dairy- and egg-free. The kitchen is completely nut-free as well.
Some of the standout gluten-free options include:
Pulled Pork Tacos — one of the restaurant’s favorite gluten-free specialties
Pork Belly Burnt Ends — described by the owners as being “like candy bites”
Seasonal Peach Cobbler — made with a gluten-free cake topping
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What Should You Try First?
The Pit couldn’t narrow it down to just one!
Their recommendations are the Pulled Pork Tacos and Peach Cobbler — two gluten-free options they say aren’t typical finds at restaurants.
The Pulled Pork Tacos are a standout savory choice, while the seasonal Peach Cobbler features a gluten-free cake topping.
How to Order
The Pit Backyard BBQ offers several ways to enjoy their food:
Dine-In
Takeout
Delivery
Online Ordering
Catering
Custom Orders
They also offer full-service off-site catering for events and gatherings. Pasted text
Good to Know
The Pit Backyard BBQ has a private function room that seats up to 45 people, making it an option for private gatherings and events.
They also offer full-service off-site catering, and gluten-free menu items are clearly marked to help guests identify available choices. Pasted text
