Tar Heel Traveler: Cricket's Grill

The rumor spread faster than mustard slathered on hot dogs at lunch rush.

It started on social media, that Cricket's Grill in Smithfield was closing, that the land had been sold. Oh, no! Please, not the end of that little yellow trailer on Market Street!

The social media crowd felt like it had its heart ripped out because, after all, Cricket's has been an institution for years, serving hot dogs, hamburgers and...egg rolls. Yes, egg rolls in Johnston County, which are by far the best seller. The owner winks and says they're made with secret ingredients. 

The owner is Blair Lockamy who was raised in Thailand. About a half century ago, she married a man from North Carolina who brought her to Smithfield. Blair couldn't speak English--she practically had to use sign language to communicate with her new spouse. 

She needed a job and found one at Cricket's Grill. Within just a few weeks, the grill's owner decided to retire and left the little walk-up restaurant to Blair. 

What a struggle it was at first. Blair didn't even know the difference between dimes and nickels. But she persevered, and the customers kept coming. Today, business booms at lunchtime. "More egg rolls," she hollers. "More hot dogs!"

One man orders a dozen dogs just for himself. And a brown bag full of egg rolls, too!

Once again, there have been rumors on social media that Cricket's Grill is closing, but the grill owner and town leaders say that's not true and that Cricket's will be selling hot dogs and egg rolls far into the future.