Redwood Smoke Shack Is Coming to Bennett’s Creek — And Yes, the Cow Is Staying!

Illustrative barbecue photo from Wix media; not a Redwood Smoke Shack menu photo.

If you’ve spent much time around North Suffolk, you probably know exactly where Bennett’s Creek Farm Market is. And even if you’ve never stopped in, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed the cow on the roof.

Well, there’s something new coming to this longtime Suffolk landmark — and thankfully, the cow isn’t going anywhere.

Redwood Smoke Shack is taking over the former Bennett’s Creek Farm Market property, bringing barbecue, outdoor gathering space, and new life to a spot that has been part of the community for decades.

Not Just Another New Restaurant

What makes this one interesting to me isn’t simply that Suffolk is getting another place to eat.

Bennett’s Creek Farm Market has been around since 1963. That’s a lot of tomatoes, produce, conversations and people saying, “Turn by the place with the cow on the roof.”

Instead of tearing everything down and starting over, Redwood Smoke Shack owner Bob Roberts plans to renovate the property while keeping some of the things that make it recognizable — including that famous cow.

Plans reportedly include a large covered patio, barbecue events and opportunities for the property to become a gathering place again.

Why This Kind of Thing Matters

When people are looking for a home, they aren't only shopping for bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage.

They're also choosing a community.

Where can we grab dinner on Friday night? Where do people gather? What's nearby? Does the area have some personality?

Those little things matter.

And I love seeing an older local property get a new chapter instead of simply disappearing.

Another Change to Watch in Suffolk

Renovations are expected to get underway soon, with Redwood Smoke Shack hoping to open the Bennett’s Creek location this fall.

I'll be watching this one — partly because I like keeping up with what's changing around our communities...

and partly because now I want barbecue.

And yes, I'll also be checking to make sure that cow really does stay on the roof.

Kelly Reider, REALTOR® | Hometown Realty in Virginia | eXp Realty in North Carolina and Maryland