COVINGTON, Ga. - Made from scratch sides, great iced tea, a friendly and relaxed environment and the aroma of a smoke pit out back cooking up pulled pork, wings and ribs are hallmarks of many great barbecue restaurants across the South.

This month’s Covington-Newton County Chamber of Commerce pick for small business of the month, Bradley’s Bar-B-Que, is no exception.

Located just south of the Square at 1160 Church St. SE, Bradley’s has been feeding hungry visitors to downtown since owner Brad Stewart opened his second restaurant here in 2009. The original Bradley’s opened in Conyers in 1999.

Asked why he decided to open a second location in Covington, Stewart said he grew up in the area and so many people from Covington were coming to his Conyers store, he decided to open a place here.

Manager Randy Smith, who joined Bradley’s in Conyers in 2003 while in high school and came east when the restaurant expanded, said the Covington location has 10 part-time employees. He said the restaurant serves on average 50 to 60 customers daily for lunch during the week.

Smith said Bradley’s specializes in pulled pork, wings and ribs and does have a smoke pit in the back. He said all sides and desserts are made from scratch onsite daily.

Bradley’s is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday until 9. The restaurant is closed on Sunday.

For a menu and information about catering, visit the Bradley’s website at www.bradleysbbq.com.