February 4, 2026

Maurice’s Piggie Park Reopens After Renovations

West Columbia, February 4, 2026

Maurice’s Piggie Park, a beloved barbecue restaurant in West Columbia, has reopened after extensive renovations following a devastating fire. The reopening signifies not only the return of a cherished eatery but also the resilience of South Carolina entrepreneurs. The Bessinger family, who have operated the restaurant since its founding in 1953, demonstrated their commitment to the community and local economy through their swift recovery efforts. The city of West Columbia’s supportive business environment further enhances the restaurant’s ability to thrive.

West Columbia, SC – The venerable Maurice’s Piggie Park barbecue restaurant at 1600 Charleston Highway in West Columbia has triumphantly reopened its doors on February 3, 2026, following extensive renovations. This marks a significant moment for the decades-old establishment, embodying a spirit of entrepreneurial resilience and commitment to a cherished South Carolina culinary tradition.

This reopening is more than just the return of a beloved eatery; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of South Carolina entrepreneurs who navigate challenges with determination. For local businesses, every investment in rebuilding and modernizing contributes to the broader Lowcountry economic growth and vitality, showcasing how private enterprise is a cornerstone of community prosperity.

A Legacy Rekindled: The Heart of Southern BBQ

The reopening of the main Maurice’s Piggie Park location at 1600 Charleston Highway in West Columbia on February 3, 2026, follows a period of significant renovation. This necessary work came after a three-alarm fire on October 26, 2024, which caused substantial damage to the company’s distribution center, food preparation area, administrative offices, and its original barbecue pits. While the restaurant building and its historic sign remarkably survived the blaze, the core operational facilities required a comprehensive overhaul.

Maurice’s Piggie Park carries a rich history rooted deep in South Carolina. The legacy began in 1939 when Joe Bessinger, the current owners’ grandfather, opened his first restaurant in Holly Hill, SC. His son, Maurice Bessinger, expanded this tradition by opening Maurice’s Piggie Park in West Columbia, SC, in 1953. Today, the business remains a family affair, with Maurice’s sons, Lloyd and Paul, along with his daughter Debbie and grandchildren, continuing the heritage. Paul Bessinger, a co-owner and pitmaster, was instrumental in the efforts to resume operations following the fire.

Overcoming Adversity Through Entrepreneurial Spirit

The challenges presented by the October 2024 fire were considerable, impacting the ability to cook and prepare food across all of Maurice’s Piggie Park’s locations. However, the response from the Bessinger family exemplifies true small-business resilience. Immediately following the incident, the main West Columbia location was able to quietly reopen just days after the fire, utilizing temporary setups, including salvaged and borrowed smokers, to serve customers. This immediate effort allowed them to maintain a presence and begin the long road to recovery, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their customers and employees.

The subsequent renovations at the 1600 Charleston Highway location represent a substantial investment in rebuilding the “heart and soul” of their operations. These efforts extend beyond the physical structure, with plans to restore the ability to ship their barbecue and hash nationwide, a service that underscores their ambition for sustained growth and reach beyond the local community. This methodical approach to recovery, moving from temporary solutions to long-term reconstruction, highlights the dedication required to sustain a multi-generational business in the face of significant setbacks.

West Columbia: A Welcoming Ground for Business

The journey of Maurice’s Piggie Park to rebuild and reopen has been supported by a local environment that values and fosters business growth. The City of West Columbia actively positions itself as a business-friendly municipality, a factor that undoubtedly aids establishments in navigating both daily operations and significant recovery efforts. The city is noted for its proactive approach in cutting “red tape and bureaucracy whenever possible,” while maintaining high standards.

Further enhancing the appeal for West Columbia business owners are policies designed to ease the burden on enterprises. The city offers a “one-stop shop” at City Hall, consolidating building, zoning, licensing, permitting, and water departments for simplified access. Additionally, businesses benefit from competitive financial incentives, including property taxes that can be up to 30% lower than those in surrounding Midlands municipalities, and some of the lowest water and sewer rates in the state of South Carolina. Such an environment provides a stable foundation for businesses like Maurice’s Piggie Park to invest in their future, contribute to local employment, and maintain their presence as community pillars.

Investing in Community and Economic Growth

The reopening of Maurice’s Piggie Park goes beyond the individual business, contributing significantly to the fabric and economy of West Columbia. As a long-standing local institution, its sustained operation supports local jobs, both directly within the restaurant and indirectly through its supply chain. The investment in renovations and the commitment to rebuilding after a major incident signal confidence in the local economy and inspire further private sector activity.

Across South Carolina, small businesses are widely recognized as crucial drivers of economic recovery and sustained growth. They are the backbone of local communities, creating jobs and fostering a distinct local character. The resilience shown by Maurice’s Piggie Park mirrors the broader entrepreneurial spirit found throughout the state, where businesses are adapting and innovating to meet new challenges. This collective dedication to local commerce strengthens communities and contributes to the overall prosperity of the region.

A Shared Vision for South Carolina Entrepreneurs

The story of Maurice’s Piggie Park resonates deeply with the broader narrative of South Carolina entrepreneurs. The state boasts a thriving entrepreneurial culture, characterized by innovation and a supportive ecosystem. Since 2011, South Carolina has experienced a significant 27.5-fold increase in capital invested in startups, indicating a robust and growing environment for new and established businesses alike. Resources such as SC Launch and the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC) provide essential support, offering consulting services, networking opportunities, and educational programs to help businesses succeed across various sectors.

While Maurice’s Piggie Park has a complex past, marked by its founder Maurice Bessinger’s contentious views on segregation and a subsequent lawsuit in 1968 that mandated an end to segregated practices, the current generation operating the business has committed to an inclusive and welcoming approach for all patrons. This forward-looking stance allows the focus to remain on the culinary heritage and the positive contributions the business makes to the community today.

The successful return of Maurice’s Piggie Park stands as an example of what can be achieved through perseverance and sound business principles. It reflects the broader landscape of Charleston SC business and statewide commitment to fostering an environment where small businesses can not only recover from adversity but also continue to thrive and contribute to the economic tapestry of the Lowcountry and beyond.

Supporting Our Local Businesses

The reopening of Maurice’s Piggie Park after significant renovations is a powerful reminder of the determination inherent in local entrepreneurship. Their journey underscores the importance of community support for businesses that represent the heart of our culinary traditions and local economies. As consumers, our choices have a direct impact on the success and longevity of these vital establishments. We encourage everyone to support local businesses across the Midlands and the Lowcountry, helping to ensure that the entrepreneurial spirit continues to flourish and contribute to a vibrant economic future for all of South Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maurice’s Piggie Park Reopening

What is the name of the barbecue restaurant that reopened in West Columbia?

The barbecue restaurant that reopened in West Columbia is Maurice’s Piggie Park.

Where is the specific location that reopened?

The specific location that reopened is at 1600 Charleston Highway in West Columbia, SC.

When did the West Columbia location reopen after its renovations?

The West Columbia location at 1600 Charleston Highway reopened on February 3, 2026, after renovations.

What caused the need for renovations at Maurice’s Piggie Park?

A three-alarm fire on October 26, 2024, destroyed the company’s distribution center, food preparation area, administrative offices, and BBQ pits, necessitating the renovations.

Is Maurice’s Piggie Park a family-owned business?

Yes, Maurice’s Piggie Park is a multi-generational family-owned business, with Maurice’s sons, Lloyd and Paul, daughter Debbie, and grandchildren carrying on the heritage.

What makes West Columbia a business-friendly city?

West Columbia is considered business-friendly due to its efforts to cut red tape, offer a “one-stop shop” for city services, provide property taxes up to 30% less than surrounding Midlands municipalities, and offer low water and sewer rates.

Key Features of Maurice’s Piggie Park Reopening

Feature	Detail
Restaurant Name	Maurice’s Piggie Park
Location	1600 Charleston Highway, West Columbia, SC
Reopening Date (after renovations)	February 3, 2026
Cause of Renovations	Damage from a three-alarm fire on October 26, 2024, which destroyed key operational facilities including BBQ pits, food prep area, and offices
Business Type	Multi-generational family-owned barbecue restaurant
Founding Year (Joe Bessinger)	1939 (Holly Hill, SC)
West Columbia Location Opened	1953 (by Maurice Bessinger)
Local Government Support	West Columbia offers low barriers to entry, a “one-stop shop” for services, property taxes up to 30% less than surrounding Midlands municipalities, and low water/sewer rates