West Columbia, SC Faces Heartbreaking Loss as Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ Burns Down
In a disheartening turn of events for food lovers in West Columbia, a massive fire ravaged Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ on Saturday night. The beloved BBQ joint, which has been a staple in the community for 69 years, suffered tremendous losses as flames consumed their facilities. According to a heartfelt message posted by the restaurant on social media, their BBQ pits, food preparation and processing plant, and offices “are completely gone.”
A Night of Chaos
The West Columbia Fire Department received an alarming call around 10 p.m. and quickly sprang into action. Fire Chief Marquis Solomon reported that the situation escalated rapidly, leading to a three-alarm fire response. A whopping 60 firefighters joined forces to tackle the blaze, working tirelessly for nearly four hours to bring it under control.
“It is heartbreaking to see these 69 years of hard work and generations of memories at this location burned to the ground,” the statement from Maurice’s Piggie Park reflected. “The pits have been burning here since 1992, and it breaks the heart of our family and loyal staff to see this tragedy hit us.” Thankfully, at the time of the fire, reports indicated that no one was in the building, so no injuries were reported.
Community Support Stands Strong
While Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ faced this devastating blow, the owners reassured the community that the restaurant across the street remained untouched. Although that particular location closed on Sunday, the other Piggie Park restaurants were open until their food supplies ran out, signaling resilience in the face of adversity.
“We’ve been doing Piggy Park ever since I was a child,” said local resident Lynette Farnsworth. She expressed her hope for the restaurant’s recovery, calling it a “foundational” business in West Columbia. The community’s support for Maurice’s Piggie Park shows just how much this place means to so many.
Investigations Underway
As the smoke clears, investigations are already underway to determine the cause of the devastating fire. Chief Solomon mentioned that several agencies, including the State Law Enforcement Division, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are collaborating in what has become a multi-agency investigation.
“This is common with large dollar loss events, so it’s common practice,” Solomon explained. The community remains hopeful that answers will soon arise, providing some closure to this tragic incident.
A Complex Legacy
While Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ has garnered a loyal following over the years, its history is marred by controversy. Owner Maurice Bessinger’s past actions left scars of division in the community, as he previously refused to serve Black customers until the late 1960s. His legacy continues to be complicated even after his passing in 2014.
Recently, there have been lawsuits alleging racism and sexual harassment against staff at the Columbia location. One lawsuit claimed that the former general manager left racist voicemails, resulting in his dismissal. The current family ownership claims they wish to distance themselves from the political implications and focus on rebuilding.
Looking Ahead
The future of Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ remains uncertain, but the steadfast love from the community serves as a beacon of hope. As the restaurant family navigates through this tragedy, one thing is clear: they are determined to climb the “unbelievable mountain” ahead of them to restore their cherished BBQ legacy.
From the Piggie Park family, they have expressed how devastated they are by this catastrophic event but remain grateful for the unwavering support from their customers and community. Only time will tell how they will rise from the ashes and continue to bring their famous BBQ to the people of West Columbia.
