Highly recommend Keaton’s for its barbecued chicken – listed on the restaurants in NC. Near Statesville, NC off I-40 near Stateville, NC.

SODboy360-
I’m glad you like the Family Pie Shop recommendation and it sure is a unique little place. But, it can close on the whim of the owner. So please make sure you call ahead of time to see if they are open that day.

And please report back to us where you went and how everything was.

On the Fayetteville end of the trip, I recommend Fuller’s BBQ on I95 outside of Lumberton. It’s really a buffet at the intersection of all the cultures of the area: African American, Native American and "poor Southern white." (I come from a long line of poor southern whites, so I blend.) The Lumbee Indian tribe is there and there’s a lot of native american decorations in the cavernous dining hall. There’s downeast style BBQ, sausage, wings, fry-bread, fried chicken, a gravy/stew made of innards, chitterings, southern-cooked veggies, fried fatback, fried oysters, shrimp, and on and on. Go hungry.

Thanks! Family Pie Shop sounds great. Hope there’s still enough room for Memphis BBQ after stopping there!

Arkansas has several first rate Roadfood spots near I-40.

Feltner’s Whatta-burger in Russellville is miles better than the typical fast food joint and is very convenient to the interstate.

http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=59

The Little Rock location of Doe’s Eat Place is the only one I have been to, but is as good a steak as I have ever had. This is a longer drive off I-40 and isn’t in the best of neighborhoods, but is still well worth the visit.

http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=2119

For something really unique, you will want to check out Family Pie Shop in De Valls Bluff. This woman makes world class pies and sells them right out of her house. Also an easy drive off of I-40.

http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=316

Craig’s BBQ, which I rate as good to average is directly across the street.

Welcome to RF, both of you!!!!!!!!

I’m bumping your post because you surely will get answers… sooner or later. I’ll get back here with some after I check out a map to figure some places you might be driving thru.

Cheers!!! [:)]

I’ll be driving the same stretch for a while, I-40 from beginning to end. Interested to hear anyone’s suggestions.