When Jaccob Slavin had his day with the Stanley Cup, the Carolina Hurricanes defenseman had it filled with smoked meats from Prime Barbecue, packing the pinnacle of hockey glory with spare ribs, wings and burnt ends.
Now Slavin has become an investor in Prime’s next project, the upcoming steakhouse Prime STQ.
Prime owner Chris Prieto announced this week that the Olympic gold medalist is a new partner in the new upscale steakhouse. Prime STQ is expected to open in spring 2027, blending barbecue techniques and steakhouse classics.
Carolina defenseman Jacoob Slavin (74) is a new partner in the upcoming restaurant Prime STQ from pitmaster Chris Prieto. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
The worlds of barbecue and hockey collided several years ago, when Prieto catered a charity fundraiser dinner for a friend of Slavin’s.
“We started talking that night and over the years built a friendship,” Slavin said. “If you’ve tasted his food you understand. … I grew up in Colorado and there’s not much barbecue out there. When I tasted Prime, it was the best barbecue I had ever had, I really enjoyed it.”
Prime BBQ owner Chris Prieto has partnered with Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin to open his next restaurant, Prime STQ. Prime Barbecue Prime Barbecue
Prime STQ will be Prieto’s second restaurant, following the acclaim of Prime Barbecue in Knightdale. That six-year-old spot has collected Michelin recognition and praise from numerous food publications.
The steakhouse wrapped up its design recently, Prieto said, and hopes to break ground this month, followed by a six-month build-out. Prime STQ continues the restaurant momentum in RTP, which has long been considered an all-work-no-play part of the Triangle. Prieto’s steakhouse joins the Horseshoe at HUB development, along with Cheeni and the future restaurant High Horse.
“We’re just really excited to serve the city of Durham,” Prieto said in a phone interview. “We’re really community focused on turning this sort of desert of RTP into a place where families can come together.”
New renderings show the future barbecue steakhouse Prime STQ, expected to open in RTP in 2027. Prime STQ
After his most successful hockey season ever, Slavin wasn’t necessarily looking to make his first leap into the restaurant business. But he said shared values and faith with Prieto convinced him to invest in Prime.
“I think it’s an opportunity that God placed in my lap,” Slavin said. “It took some prayer, but ultimately it was an easy decision. … I think the biggest piece for us is that foundation of Jesus in all aspects of the business, from the food to the service.”
It doesn’t hurt that steak is one of Slavin’s favorite foods, he said.
“Whatever he’s cooking, I’m eating,” Slavin said.
This story was originally published September 1, 2026 at 6:00 AM.
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Drew Jackson writes about restaurants and dining for The News & Observer and The Herald-Sun, covering the food scene in the Triangle and North Carolina.
