I have no idea of the quality of Smokin' Ed's relative to other southern pulled pork establishments, but I was informed at this local, small operation outside Nashville, that Smokin' Ed's is currently scouting a Chicago location. They have four or five locations in TN right now, and I found their BBQ very enjoyable.
Here is a bit more about Smokin' Ed's in the context of a weekend journey to the Bonnaroo Music Festival.
Cheers,
Aaron