Lines once stretched around the block for this award-winning barbecue restaurant, drawing tourists and locals eager for smoked whole hog and Southern sides. Now, one of the South’s most recognizable barbecue brands has abruptly shut down locations across multiple states as financial troubles continue to grow.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ locations close amid financial troubles
Several locations of Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ closed “until further notice” on May 3, including restaurants in Charleston, Atlanta, Nashville, and Alabama. The sudden closures shocked customers and employees alike, especially in Charleston, where the flagship restaurant became a nationally recognized barbecue destination after opening in 2017.
The restaurant was founded by Rodney Scott and restaurateur Nick Pihakis. Scott rose to national fame after winning a James Beard Award and appearing on Netflix’s “Chef’s Table BBQ,” helping turn the Charleston restaurant into one of the South’s best-known barbecue spots.
Lawsuits and unpaid bills mount
The closures appear tied to mounting financial issues involving Pihakis Restaurant Group, which operates several Rodney Scott’s locations along with other restaurant concepts. Recent reports say the company faces lawsuits and liens totaling more than $13 million.
One lawsuit alleges the company defaulted on a $350,000 loan, while another claims nearly $400,000 is owed to a meat supplier for unpaid food invoices. Additional liens reportedly involve unpaid rent and development-related debts.
Another warning sign for the restaurant industry
The shutdown reflects broader struggles hitting restaurant chains nationwide. Rising labor and food costs, inflation, higher interest rates, and slowing consumer spending have forced many restaurant groups to cut locations or restructure operations.
For many barbecue fans, the closure feels especially significant because Rodney Scott’s BBQ had become more than just a restaurant — it represented a celebrated piece of Southern food culture.
Links on this page may be affiliate links, for which the site earns a small commission, but the price for you is the same
Leave a Comment