Upland Architects proudly partnered with The Ford Boys to bring a long-vacant historic building back to life with the opening of The Cherry Pit—a vibrant new bar and grill that celebrates community, craftsmanship, and hometown spirit.

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At the corner of North Mountain Street, right across from the C. Grier Beam Truck Museum, The Cherry Pit has breathed new life into a building that first stood in the 1920s. Once home to local staples like Moss Radio & Television Service and later a florist shop, the building had sat empty for nearly 14 years. When The Ford Boys set out to create their restaurant, they saw more than just a business opportunity—they saw a chance to honor Cherryville’s past by restoring a piece of its downtown fabric and bringing fresh energy to the community they’ve always called home.

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Upland Architects led the extensive renovation, carefully balancing preservation and modern functionality. The project involved gutting the building down to its exterior walls and roof structure, then meticulously rebuilding from within. Throughout the design process, we sought to honor the building’s original style while introducing thoughtful new elements that reflected the spirit of Cherryville and the ambitions of its new tenant. The restored 1,875-square-foot indoor space now seamlessly connects with a newly constructed 1,700-square-foot covered patio—complete with ceiling fans, two fire pits, and a 98-inch outdoor TV—creating an indoor-outdoor dining experience that anchors the corner site and invites guests to linger.

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A central architectural feature of The Cherry Pit is its stunning custom-built bar, a showpiece inspired by historic Brunswick designs. After an exhaustive search for an antique bar fell short, local craftspeople at Riddley Cabinets meticulously crafted a replica of the early 1900s Delmonte No. 1 bar from solid Sapele Mahogany. This handcrafted centerpiece, rich in detail and heritage, serves as the heart of the restaurant and an enduring symbol of Cherryville’s artisan spirit.

The design of the restaurant's exterior also pays homage to classic pub architecture, modeled after a photograph of an Irish pub discovered by co-owner Christie Ford. Original elements, such as the sliding barn door, were preserved and artistically reinterpreted—Cherryville artist Gary Freeman transformed the old door into a vibrant focal piece for the new patio.

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At the helm of The Cherry Pit are twin brothers Brady and Mason Ford—better known around town as “The Ford Boys.” Born and raised in Cherryville, the twins grew up dreaming of a place where locals could enjoy great food, good drinks, and hometown camaraderie. With family roots in entrepreneurship and deep local ties, the brothers rallied community support to bring their vision to life. Head Chef Chris Murphy, a family friend from Raleigh, helped launch the kitchen, introducing comfort food classics like the signature "Franklin Street Mac and Cheese," before passing the culinary reins to Brady.

Named after a casual conversation between Mason and a friend, The Cherry Pit perfectly captures the restaurant’s ethos: casual, welcoming, rooted in tradition, and full of heart.

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The Cherry Pit stands today as a true community project—a testament to small-town pride, a respect for history, and the power of good design to spark new beginnings.