Meet Justin and Ciara Teel

ENJOY A SMOKIN’-HOT MENU AT THE SWINE BARREL!

Photos by Scott Abbott of Scott Abbott Photo

Who says fairy tales don’t come true? Certainly not new Elk River business owners Justin and Ciara Teel! ERL is definitely a sucker for “happily ever after” stories, and the Teels and The Swine Barrel exemplify our dream-come-true feature article for May. The Teels had a vision and said,“We took what many saw as a dilapidated community eyesore, scrubbed away the 2016 flood mud, and turned it into a place that feels like home.”

Where is The Swine Barrel you may be wondering? Well, remember the little building on the left of the road right before you cross the Elkview Bridge at Smith’s Plaza? You know, the one that used to have cemetery monuments out front with high grass that sat empty waiting for someone to give it new love? Actually, some of us remember it even before as Lapp’s Goody Shop and later as a little jewelry/pawn shop. After hours of cleaning and renovations, it has now been transformed into The Swine Barrel, located at 1009 Main Street in Elkview, featuring authentic BBQ and other delicious food in a charming setting.

The eclectic decor of The Swine Barrel clearly reflects the artistic talent of Ciara.You can see her inspiring artwork and heartfelt, welcoming touches on every wall, even in the restroom! She also likes mixing her love of art with home decor and customized t-shirts and merchandise.

What makes The Swine Barrel different? Ciara said, “We cut no corners when it comes to serving our friends, family, and community. We only serve the freshest, homemade goodness that slow smoking and hard work will allow. No store-bought, saucedup food for us!”

Justin built his own smoker with his brother Steve 15 years ago. Together they catered local events serving their delicious smoked bbq, tacos and more. He is happy to now have a storefront location where they can serve friends and family and share Elk River camaraderie plus listen to a few of Justin’s Tall-TeelTales.

Their mouth-watering menu includes appetizers, sides, sandwiches, platters, and amazing gourmet cupcakes for dessert. You can make a meal from the Tidbits (Appetizers) which include smoked deviled

eggs, sausage balls, caprese salad, and smoked queso dip. I’m advocating for a Tidbit Platter! Of course, it would be hard to pass up the side dishes of smoked mac n’ cheese, cornbread salad, macaroni salad, smoked baked beans, and purple or apple cranberry slaw. They have assorted soft drinks and a variety of beverages on tap.

The Swine Barrel offers classic sandwiches/ platters. Choose from their smoked shaved turkey, seasoned to perfection; slow smoked, hand-pulled pork seasoned with their original dry rub; or juicy smoked pork loin covered in Justin’s original, swine dry rub and served with sweet and sassy raspberry dipping sauce. You can also pick up meat-to-go; preorder in advance for large orders.

Metal artwork created by Pat Rodgers of Charleston, WV

Ciara said, “Sometimes you just want meatloaf and mashed potatoes or other great comfort food, and we are going to offer a variety of home-cooked favorites.” Watch their Facebook/The Swine Barrel, to see what they will be serving up each day!

Friends and family have watched Ciara and Justin through the years emerge as their very own Elk River fairy tale. They started dating when they were at Herbert Hoover High School, fell in love, married, and have two great kids, Paige (senior, HHHS) and Kohen (7th grader, EMS).

Depending on when you visit The Swine Barrel, you are likely to see Paige, Kohen, nephew Quinton, or a host of family members and close friends helping behind the scenes. Both Ciara and Justin have thriving careers now coupled with their new business entrepreneurship. They said, “We couldn’t do it without the wonderful support of our family and friends”.

Ciara said, “We’ve always gravitated toward adventures and dreams and the Elk River is not just where we’re from, but it is who we are.” In fact,

the Teels have partnered with their Hoover alma mater’s woodworking class to create their official sign for The Swine Barrel. Ciara said, “We are Hoover graduates who take pride in giving back to our school and our community.” They even have a Husky Student Special on their menu.

Also, exciting news! This fall at the new Herbert Hoover High School home football games, fans will find BBQs from The Swine Barrel on the concession stand menu!

Without a doubt, the Teels want The Swine Barrel to be “the perfect place to share our love of good food with our great friends and Elk River neighbors!” The hours of operation are: Wednesday-Friday from 3-8 PM, and from 12 Noon-8 PM on Saturday. On Sunday they will also offer a limited menu from 12 Noon-2 PM.

Check out their Facebook, scan the QR code to visit their website, or contact them at 304.885.4691. Ciara and Justin said, “Bring your friends, bring your families, and most of all, bring your appetite!”