West Columbia BBQ Legend Faces Devastating Setback
In the cozy town of West Columbia, South Carolina, barbecue has always been more than just a meal—it’s a cherished tradition that has spanned generations. But recent events have shaken the foundations of this beloved community, particularly the iconic Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ. On the night of October 26, 2023, a fire tore through the food preparation facility that had become synonymous with mouthwatering barbecue. For many locals, this tragic event felt like losing a piece of home.
From Flames to Memories
The fire that ravaged the facilities was so devastating it left the entire operation in ruins. The detailed smokers that had been cooking up tender pork, chicken, and ribs since 1992 became nothing but charred remnants. As I toured the production facility just a year earlier, I saw firsthand the passionate work that went into each item served at Maurice’s restaurants spread throughout West Columbia, Irmo, Columbia, and Lexington. That day, workers were hustling, feeding logs into the massive smokers three times a day to keep the delicious food churning out.
Paul Bessinger, the pitmaster overseeing the operation, showed me how seriously they took their craft. There was laughter and camaraderie, and every rack of meats was prepped with care, brushed with their celebrated neon-yellow Original Southern Gold sauce. Paul noted with pride, “We built these ourselves.” It was a family business through and through.
A Community United in Heartbreak
The tragic fire has left the community in mourning. The pigs on their iconic sign, which stood unwavering through various storms, have seen better days. The loss of the BBQ pits, the heart of the operation, impacts not only the Bessinger family but also the 150 employees who dedicated their time and energy to serving up delicious meals to countless customers.
“It is heartbreaking to see these 69 years of hard work and generations of memories at this location burned to the ground,” the Bessinger family expressed in a heartfelt post on social media. As the flames flickered in the night, tales of cherished family dinners and community gatherings at Maurice’s came flooding back for many loyal patrons. It is impossible not to feel the weight of that loss.
A Complicated Legacy
While the Bessinger family aims to embark on a new chapter, they do so with a complicated legacy. The founder, Maurice Bessinger, who passed away in 2014, was a pivotal figure in establishing South Carolina’s signature barbecue style, rooted in humble, traditional methods. But Maurice also had affiliations with controversial politics that his children are actively working to move past. Paul, reflecting on their transition, stated, “As a family now, we don’t dabble in politics. We just try to serve the world’s best barbecue.”
It’s clear the family is committed to building a brighter future for the business while honoring its deep-rooted history. They’re focused on what brings them joy: serving quality barbecue. For the Bessinger siblings, this means rolling up their sleeves and putting in the hard work necessary to get back on their feet.
The Road Ahead
As they face an uphill battle in this recovery process, they remain undaunted, even stating, “We have an unbelievable mountain to climb ahead of us.” The family is actively brainstorming ways to restore their operations and maintain their presence in the community. The aroma of smoked meats and the sound of laughter still linger in the hearts of everyone who has ever visited Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ.
Despite the recent trials, the iconic sign remains, a steadfast symbol of resilience. The Bessinger family has expressed determination to keep their BBQ legacy alive for generations to come. As Paul so wisely remarked, “We work every day… trying to keep things going.”
As West Columbia rallies behind this barbecue staple, one can only hope that the spirit of Maurice’s and all it represents can rise from the ashes and continue to bring joy and flavor to the folks who call this area home. The journey may be tough, but in a town built on tradition, the love and support of the community can make all the difference.
