Sampling of businesses at Exit 34

Bird’s Smokehouse BBQ

Pilot truck stop

DALEVILLE — Motorists traveling along Interstate 69 near Exit 34 can’t see the trademark smoke billowing from Bird’s Smokehouse BBQ from the road, but billboards teasing travelers with hickory-smoked meats and Southern cooking keep the restaurant busy at every meal.

Restaurant manager Ashlee Lyons said the restaurant is a favorite of truckers and travelers who frequent Interstate 69.

Before the restaurant and its signature log cabin walls were erected, the smokehouse was just a dream to Bird and Linda Strange. In 2002, the couple began selling barbecue favorites at festivals with a mobile unit. The Stranges also set up shop at “the corner” in Daleville due to popular demand in the local community.

In 2004, according to the story of the restaurant, Bird Strange was diagnosed with terminal cancer. After his death, Linda moved on with the dream in 2005 and began construction on the restaurant.

Today, the restaurant is known for its slow-cooked hickory-smoked baby back ribs.

Lyons said the restaurant’s customers are split down the middle. “It’s probably 50 percent locals and 50 percent people traveling off the interstate.”

“We have new people coming in all the time,” she said.

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Racer’s Edge

I-69 Liquors