Ed Dombrowski wants to be wherever there are families heading to the movies.

The Kennesaw resident is the proprietor of Skeeter's, the new eatery off the East-West Connector in Austell. His concept: Open close to theaters where there are lots of hungry folks looking for a casual bite before or after the show. Plans are to expand the concept to movie theaters and shopping districts around the county.

Renee Brock/AJC special (ENLARGE)
An award-winning barbecue pork sandwich is one of the specialties on Skeeter's 'North meets South' menu. Skeeter's is located near Austell's Regal 22 theater complex.
Renee Brock/AJC special (ENLARGE)
Buffalo wings at Skeeter's in Austell are perfect finger food before or after catching a movie.
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For the Austell Skeeter's, Dombrowski converted a former restaurant in the complex that houses the Regal 22 theaters.

"Our concept is to serve a 'North meets South' menu that's ideal for families and moviegoers," he said. "We've been in the food business for more than 40 years and we're originally from New Jersey, so we have the best of both barbecue and New York-style deli sandwiches."

Dombrowski took the named "Skeeter's" from his dad's old Navy nickname. The operation is still a family affair with Dombrowski; his son Steven, a student at the Art Institute's culinary school; and his junior high school son, Justin. The three create and make all of the salads, sauces and dressings on the menu.

North meets South

Start at the top with an Italian hoagie or a sandwich of sausage and peppers, Italian beef, fried bologna, crab cakes, pastrami, corned beef or kielbasa and 'kraut. The signature item here is the Philly cheese sandwich, made with beef or chicken, American or provolone cheese on bread shipped in from New Jersey.

On the Southern side, go with Dombrowski's award-winning pork sandwich that took top honors in a 2006 cookoff in Kennesaw.

"There were guys who came in from all around for this contest and I beat them all," he brags. "I think there's still a contract out on my life from that one." His specialty is a secret rub and a cold, tomato-based barbecue sauce with a vinegar-and-spice kick.

Shrimp and grits

Other Southern favorites are the beef brisket and Brunswick stew, as well as the pulled chicken, shrimp po' boy, barbecued turkey breast, baby back ribs and shrimp and grits.

There's also a selection of wings, chicken fingers, shrimp, oysters and fried fish that come with 20 different sauces and daily specials that keep the menu interesting. Soups, salads, loaded baked potatoes and sides of slaw, fries, baked beans and mac and cheese round out the offerings.

Dessert is sweet and simple, with Mississippi mud pie, New York cheesecake, apple crisp, pecan pie and Key lime pie.

From the bar

It's all soft at Skeeter's. "I am a Yankee, but I do know how to make good Southern sweet tea," Dombrowski assures.