Two years after successfully operating a location in New London, Chester Dugas opened Chester's Barbecue in Groton in 2007. This restaurant serves Southern and Midwest-style smoked meats and provides a rustic, casual dining experience. Dugas, an East Lyme, Conn. native, lived in Kansas City for 24 years. He later returned to Connecticut, bringing his penchant for Midwestern, Southern-style barbecue with him. Instead of grilling over a flame, Chester's slow-cooks its meat inside of the large metal smokers behind the restaurant. Seating is available inside of the two adjoining rooms, which are decked out in country decor. Chester's also caters large events such as weddings.