Prime Smokehouse: A Universal Table for the Twin Counties
What makes a restaurant more than just a place to gather for dinner?
At Prime Smokehouse in Rocky Mount, the answer can be found in the music, artwork, atmosphere and, most importantly, the people who come together around the table.
For husband-and-wife owners Ed Wiley III and Yalem Kiros, Prime Smokehouse reflects a shared belief that food and fellowship have the power to connect people from all walks of life.
But there's much more to the story behind this Rocky Mount establishment.
From the cultural influences that shape the restaurant's atmosphere to the personal stories behind its artwork and music, nearly every detail has a meaning.
And at the heart of it all is a philosophy known as the “Universal Table.”
So, what exactly is the Universal Table, and how did Wiley and Kiros bring that vision to life in Rocky Mount?
That's the story we're sharing in the Fall 2026 edition of Tar River Art + Culture (TRA+C) Magazine!
In our feature, “Prime Smokehouse: A Universal Table for the Twin Counties,” we take readers inside the restaurant to explore the people, experiences and inspiration that have shaped its identity.
It's a story about food, culture, family and the connections that bring our community together.
Prime Smokehouse is just one of the local stories featured in our Fall 2026 edition!
From local businesses and entrepreneurs to the arts, culture and traditions that define our region, TRA+C celebrates the people and places that make Nash and Edgecombe counties special.
We invite you to explore the magazine, discover the stories and get to know your community a little better!
We also want to give a BIG thank you to the advertisers who helped make this edition possible:
Read the full Prime Smokehouse story in Fall TRA+C →
