Lewis Donald, better known as “Sweet Lew,” is the classically trained chef behind Sweet Lew’s Barbecue in Charlotte’s Belmont neighborhood. After two decades in fine dining and country clubs, including an apprenticeship at The Greenbrier in West Virginia, Donald traded white tablecloths for wood smoke in 2018, opening a counter-service spot dedicated to Carolina barbecue and community.
At Sweet Lew’s, the focus is on simplicity, consistency and tradition: whole pork shoulders, brisket, ribs and house-made sausages smoked entirely over wood, alongside nods to multiple regional styles like South Carolina hash and rice, Lexington-style chopped pork and both red and white slaws. Donald says the goal is to be Charlotte’s go-to neighborhood barbecue joint — approachable, unpretentious and the kind of place where memories are made over smoked meats.
In this episode, Donald shares how his fine dining skills translate to the pit, what he’s learned running a neighborhood barbecue joint and why he’s passionate about pushing North and South Carolina barbecue into the national spotlight. He also discusses:
How his culinary background informs his approach to barbecue and side dishes.
The evolution of his smoking techniques and recipes since 2018.
Life in the Belmont neighborhood and connecting with the community.
The realities of running a barbecue restaurant in a tradition-rich, highly competitive field.
How the Carolina BBQ Festival helps showcase the region’s pitmasters.
Donald received The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2025. For more information on Sweet Lew’s, visit SweetLewsBBQ.com.
This podcast episode is part of a series highlighting winners of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 awards, which honor and celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte. It’s hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration.
This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.
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