Frequently Asked Questions
Is Melvin Bessinger the only Legendary Bar-B-QUE restaurant in?
Absolutely. There are 2 Melvin's Legendary Restaurants in. We have one in (across the river heading 17 North). The other is onacross the river fromheading West).Check this location out!!!
Which location did World Renowned Chef Emeril Lagassee visit? How about Sally Krawcheck (CEO- Smith and Barney-Fortune 500)?
Chef Emeril visited Mt Pleasant 2 days in a row in 1999. CEO, Sally Krawcheck visited the location in 2004.
Did Melvin Bessinger ever own Bessinger's BBQ & Burgers?
Melvin not only owned this business but founded and was the CEO. He built the company in 1970 and sold it to his partner in 1990. Melvin decided to sell this business .He had a vision of a Legendary Bar-B-Que restaurant that he and his son David could run with better products and sauces.
Who has the original Golden Secret Recipe BBQ Sauce?
Melvin Bessinger was taught the secret in 1933 by his dad, “Big Joe” Bessinger @ the age of 10. He then taught the other brothers when they became of age. He told them all but 2 of the main ingredients. He kept them to himself. This was his father and mother's wish. Others have tried to imitate, but have never duplicated.
Where did Melvin learn all of his Pit-Mastering?
Of course, the credit goes to his father “Big Joe”. His dad taught young Melvin in 1933 @ the age of 10 how to cook hogs in the ground. They would have neighbors come from all over for a BBQ. He basted this Golden Sauce over the hogs. Everyone loved it and he knew he had something! His other brothers were too young to know what was going on. Melvin later would perfect this technique after he came back from WW2.
I heard of “”. Who owned this?
Well, after WW2, Melvin had saved all of his money from the War. In 1948, Melvin bought some land onin Holly Hill for his father. Melvin named this restaurant. “Eat at Joes”. Thus the Big Joe sandwich evolved. Melvin owned the restaurant but gave it to “Big Joe” (his father).
Did Melvin own the Piggy Parks and how did he come up with that name?
Melvin owned 3 Piggy Parks from 1961-1970 in the midlands and lowcountry of. His first was onin. The others were in Orangeburg and Beaufort. His brother in law, Ronald Boals came up with the name.
Does Melvins Legendary Bar-B-Que Cater?
Absolutely. Matter of fact he started his catering business in 1972. He was the first Bessinger to do so. He and his son, David would later name their catering PIGS on the RUN! David's good friend, Scott Barnhill came up with the name.
Please give me more information on PIGS on the Run Catering!
All you have to do is bring your appetite, make the guest list, and say where, and Melvin's does the rest! Whether it be a family reunion, office party, or a wedding we can do just about anything. Give us a call @ (843) 795-6794. It will be a Southern Treat you will be boasting to your friends and kin!
Can I get Melvins Famous Legendary BBQ Sauces shipped to my home?
We'd be delighted to send our famous sauces (by the bottle, Jug, or Case.)We have 4 flavors and 3 sizes. But don't forget his Dry Rub Shake! Perfect for all your meats and even soups! We have Melvin's Pig Out Apparel, Pit-Master aprons, and hats/visors. Great for the Chef at home. We can ship directly to your door step via Pigs on the Run Air Express. Just give us a call @ 1-888-MELVIN'S to place your order!
What is the nutritional content of your sauces?
We are the 1st Bar-B-Que Restaurant inwhich proudly states our sauces are O fat, All Natural and have no preservatives in all 4 flavors! Another great reason to enjoy Melvin's Southern Sauces with Kin folks!
What is in the secret in your sauce?
While we are keeping this at Fort Knox, we can tell you that our Golden Secret BBQ Sauce contains mustard vinegar…….Hey, I got to stop before someone tries and copies our sauce. Some have already tried and copied our exterior colors and interior décor right here in. Everyone is always trying to imitate us in all we do!
How much BBQ Sauce can you make at a time?
The BBQ plant has 9 vats each costing $100,000.00! They can turn out 5500 bottles in 1 hour!
What about your winning the Charleston City Paper's “Best BBQ Award” every year?
We have been very blessed. Our City has been very kind to Melvin's Legendary Bar-B-Que. Both locations are only open 6 days a week. We cook 24 hours a day 6 days a week. We have to give the Hogs a break! We hand pull each Ham 1 by 1 and the amount is over 200,000 lbs per year. Our Pit-Masters do get tired!!!!!! ( not bad for 2 small sandwich shops.)
What about your World Famous Cheeseburgers?
Emeril Lagassee voted this Burger as the BEST in! The Cows sure do MOO! Again, this amount is crazy. How about 160,000 burgers a year.
What about your delicious Pork Ribs?
Can you believe 80,000 lbs. each year? The total keeps rising. Our customers still can't believe we sell ribs. They love the BBQ sandwiches and Home made Burgers.
Where did “The Little Joe” name come from?
Since Melvin named the Big Joe after his dad, he decided to come out with a smaller sandwich for women and kids. He called it Little Joe Que!
Can I be a Distributor for your Famous Golden Secret Sauces?
Absolutely. Just give us a call and we will inform you how this works. Our office hours are Monday-Friday,(EST). Our phone number is 1-888 MELVIN'S!
How is your Bar-B-Que prepared for shipment?
We cook it a full 24 hours over live hickory coals. Then we pull it by hand, freeze it, and packaged in our Air Express container with poly foam and dry ice. Shipped either 2nd day or Next Day Air right to your front door.