Is Melvin Bessinger the only Legendary Bar-B-QUE restaurant in Charleston?

There are just two Melvin's Legendary Restaurants, one on James Island and one in Mt. Pleasant. See you there soon!

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, and Sally Krawcheck visited in 2004.

Did Melvin Bessinger ever own Bessinger's BBQ & Burgers?

Melvin founded, owned and served as CEO. He built the company in 1970 and sold it to his partner in 1990.

Who has the original Golden Secret Recipe BBQ Sauce?

Melvin Bessinger was taught the secret in 1933 when he was 10 by his dad, "Big Joe" Bessinger. He shared the recipe (all but two main ingredients per his Mom and Dad’s wishes) with his younger brothers as they came of age.

Where did Melvin learn to be a Pit-Master?

The credit goes to his father, Big Joe, who basted hogs in Golden Sauce in their yard while a young Melvin watched and learned. When he returned from WWII, Melvin practiced and perfected his technique.

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 South Carolina Lowcountry and Midlands. His brother-in-law, Ronald Boals came up with the name.

Does Melvin's Legendary Bar-B-Que Cater?

Yes! Click here for more information on our catering.

Can I get Melvins Famous Legendary BBQ Sauces shipped to my home?

Yes! We'd be delighted to send any of our four famous sauces, available by the bottle, Jug, or Case. Don’t forget our Dry Rub Shake that’s perfect for all your meats and even soups. Melvin's Pig Out Apparel, Pit-Master aprons, and hats/visor are great for the chef in your life.

We can ship directly to your doorstep via Pigs on the Run Air Express. Simply call 1-888-MELVIN'S now. All of our sauces are 0 fat, All Natural and have no preservatives.

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. The rest must remain a mystery!

How much BBQ Sauce can you make at a time?

The BBQ plant has nine vats, which can each turn out 5,500 bottles an 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, and we hand pull each ham one by one. That’s more than 200,000 lbs per year. Which makes for some pretty tuckered out pit-masters!

What about your World Famous Cheeseburgers?

Emeril Lagassee calls Melvin’s cheeseburger one of the best he’s ever eaten, and we serve more than 160,000 a year!

How many Pork Ribs do you serve a year?

80,000 lbs. and the total keeps rising.

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. For more information, call 1-888 MELVIN'S!