MORNING HEADLINES | Lovers of smoky South Carolina barbecue got a shock to their systems Sunday with news that award-winning Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ on King Street was closed “until further notice.”
According to a Sunday announcement to staff by Charleston operating partner Sam Ayalam, the popular eatery was shuttering for now “due to unfortunate circumstances that were out of management’s control.” After mentioning some of the national accolades won by the restaurant, he added, ‘I do not feel like this is our last chapter.”
The restaurant, which still has a “we’re hiring” button on its website, “was born out of a friendship between Rodney Scott and Nick Pihakis and their mutual respect for the time and technique required to make great barbecue,” according to the site. Scott partnered with Pihakis in 2017 in Charleston and later opened restaurants in Birmingham and Atlanta.
In 2018, Scott won a James Beard award for Best Chef: Southeast. Scott also is a multiple winner of Best Pitmaster in the Best of Charleston contest by the Charleston City Paper.
The restaurant and Pihakis Restaurant Group are involved in a breach of contract lawsuit filed last month in Charleston County, according to media reports.
The Lowcountry’s best events calendar
Our online events calendar has scores of events around the Lowcountry every day, making it the most detailed calendar of what’s happening in the area. Just click on “Events” above at right under the black toolbar. You’ll be amazed at what you find.
- Also sign up today to get relevant newsletters on art, music, food, fun events, statewide news and opinion.
In recent headlines
CP OPINION, Brack: About a former governor and someone who wants to be. “Today’s commentary comes in two pieces – one about former Gov. Mark Sanford, a month-long candidate for Congress who dropped out Thursday, and current Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, who stepped in something ripe that’s related to a speech invitation.”
CP NEWS: Is medical marijuana now legal in S.C.? What GOP Sen. Tom Davis said on the Senate floor Wednesday sounded almost surreal in the Republican-supermajority chamber. “In South Carolina, right now, as we stand, we have just become the 41st state that has a legally authorized medical marijuana program.”
- S.C. House, Senate look to pass transportation reform
- S.C. bill would end free windshield replacements
Bad weather leads to cancellation of Charleston Air Show. Officials said the Saturday event would not be rescheduled, but that planning for the 2028 show has already begun.
North Charleston adds almost 100 new police cameras. The city says it’s part of a now four-year-old project to create a law-enforcement-focused operations center.
S.C. airports impacted by Spirit Airlines shutdown. The budget airline, set to shut down May 2 after failing to win a $500 million bailout from the Trump administration, serves almost 25% of passengers at Myrtle Beach International Airport.
New signage aims to protect threatened shorebirds at Folly Beach. Charleston County officials say new signs at Folly Beach County Park will help protect the Wilson’s Plover, a rare shorebird whose eggs are threatened by foot traffic and dogs.
Preservation groups raise concerns about plan to shore up Charleston’s underground brick archways. The plan to stabilize Charleston’s 19th century brick archway sewer system could potentially threaten surface structures and the historic underground system itself, preservation groups say.
Support independent journalism
Keep the City Paper strong with a winter gift. This holiday season, please consider donating $25 — or even $100 — to support free, independent journalism at the Charleston City Paper. Every donation helps keep alive a voice of freedom. Your help is appreciated.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.