Best BBQ in South Carolina? Maurice’s Piggie Park Serves Legendary Carolina Gold Flavor

We sat down with Chris Bennett of Maurice’s Piggie Park in South Carolina. A true South Carolina institution, Maurice's Piggie Park BBQ delivers one of the most iconic barbecue experiences in the Southeast. With multiple locations across the Columbia and Lexington regions, this long-running, family-owned smokehouse has been serving traditional Carolina BBQ for generations, rooted in recipes and techniques dating back decades.

What sets this spot apart is its unmistakable Carolina Gold mustard-based sauce, a tangy, slightly sweet regional specialty that defines Midlands-style barbecue. The menu centers on slow-smoked pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and brisket, all cooked over real wood-fired coals—never gas or electric—using a 24-hour pit-smoking process that builds deep, authentic flavor. This is South Carolina barbecue at its core—bold, regional, and steeped in tradition, with a flavor profile you won’t find anywhere else in the country.

Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?

As head of Maurice’s Catering at Piggie Park, no two days are exactly alike. My morning always starts at home by making coffee for my wife and taking two of our three children to school. From there, I head to our catering headquarters, where the day is already under way.

We cater all kinds of events like business luncheons, family celebrations, weddings and holiday events, all across South Carolina to even across state lines with large corporate events throughout the year from coast to coast. Each day is different based on the caterings scheduled. The day always starts in the early morning hours with our smokehouse team loading the smokers with the two most important ingredients in the BBQ business: all kinds of meats and hickory wood logs. Our Catering Pitmaster, Jon, has the pork butts, chicken, and ribs cooking low and slow, until they are ready to chop and slice. I review the day’s orders, check in with the team, and make sure everything is on track. On busy days, I’m helping in the kitchen, loading catering vehicles, and heading out to events. Other days, I’m focused on planning events, taking orders, and working with clients.

One of my biggest priorities is keeping an eye on every order that leaves our kitchen. After more than 80 years serving South Carolina, quality and consistency remain at the heart of everything we do.

At the end of the day, I may be serving guests at an evening event or preparing behind the scenes for the next day’s catering schedule. Once I’m home, family time takesover—whether that’s at karate class, time at the pool, or winding down with a walkaround the neighborhood with my dog and toddler.

Do you have a favorite pitmaster that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?

One of my favorites has always been Robert Irvine from Restaurant Impossible. I enjoyed watching him help struggling restaurants reinvent themselves and connect with a new generation of customers.

That idea of honoring tradition while embracing growth has inspired much of what we've done at Maurice’s Piggie Park Catering. We've expanded our services, introduced new menu options, and grown our ability to serve everything from small family gatherings to large corporate events across South Carolina and beyond.

My advice to aspiring chefs and food professionals is simple: never stop learning. Take every opportunity to gain experience, work hard, and don’t be afraid to try new things. The people willing to put in the effort are often the ones who find the greatest success.

Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?

A few recent recognitions include:

Voted Best Caterer by Lexington Life Magazine 2025, 2026
Featured on Apple News
Member of BNI Midlands South Carolina
Member of the Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce
Recognized as a Rising Star in Who’s Who in America

What do you typically cook at home?

With three kids, a lot of my home cooking revolves around easy family favorites like spaghetti, grilled cheese sandwiches, and PB&Js. But when my wife and I have the chance to cook together, we love Southern classics like shrimp and grits, bacon-wrapped asparagus, and key lime pie.

What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?

Fresh, made-from-scratch food is a trend I’d love to see even more of. We buy local and work hard to serve fresh food every day. In the BBQ world, that commitment takes around-the-clock dedication, but it's worth it. Great barbecue takes time-a rare chance to slowdown in a fast world.

What drink do you enjoy most?

When you work around fresh-brewed sweet tea every day, it's hard to choose anything else. I used to be a big Dr. Pepper fan, but I haven't had a soda in over eight months. These days, sweet tea is usually my drink of choice.

Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?

When I was 10 years old, we catered in New York City for a charity event. My mom and grandpa brought me along, and I got to serve our signature Pulled Pork to Wolfgang Puck. It was an incredible experience and gave me an early appreciation for the catering side of the restaurant business that has stayed with me ever since.

What’s Your Instagram So Readers Can Follow You?

You can follow us on Instagram at @PiggiePark and on TikTok. As a third-generation family business, we love sharing behind-the-scenes looks at our restaurants, catering events, and, of course, plenty of barbecue photos that are guaranteed to make you hungry.

What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? AND did you like it?

A classic chocolate fountain is a favorite that we do on a lot of events... Pair that hot liquid chocolate with our fresh smoked chicken wings–sweet and smoky combo, wow! Our customers also love to share with me some creative ways they enjoy our signature Southern Gold mustard-based BBQ sauce—from dipping fruit into the sauce to using it as a salad dressing or pairing it with chips and pretzels. After 80 years, we've heard just about everything!

Why should readers visit maurice’s Piggie park in South Carolina?

Maurice’s Piggie Park is more than a restaurant—it's a South Carolina tradition. For more than 80 years, our family has been serving slow-smoked barbecue, Southern sides, and our famous Southern Gold mustard-based BBQ sauce to generations of guests.

Whether you're stopping in for a quick lunch, planning a family dinner, or looking for a caterer for your next event, you'll find great food, genuine hospitality, and a family-owned business that truly appreciates every customer who walks through the door. We look forward to serving you.

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Maurice’s Piggie Park Serves Legendary Carolina Gold Flavor In South carolina