Pik N Pig to open on Feb. 18

After being closed for almost two years after a fire destroyed a favorite Carthage BBQ restaurant, the Pik N Pig has an opening date of Feb. 9.

Sandhills Sentinel

At a private Friday lunch held in the newly constructed building, co-owners Ashley and Tiffani Sheppard thanked everyone from firefighters to contractors that had a hand in taking the business from the fire to where they are now.

An early morning fire destroyed the restaurant on May 30, 2021.

Video by Thomas Honeycutt/Sandhills Sentinel.

“We appreciate the support,” said Ashley. “Today is for the people that helped us get here. We appreciate this community.”

In her opening remarks, Tiffani held back tears, saying, “I can’t look at the firefighters here today. I love and thank you all, but when the fire truck pulled in, I began to cry.” 

The buffet-style lunch included the staples of Pik N Pig, including pulled pork, smoked chicken, and brisket. Carthage firefighters and Moore County Public Safety led the lunch line.

The building is the same size, but seating has doubled with an open floor plan. The kitchen is nearly three times the size of the former kitchen. There is one smokehouse now with a giant smoker and two smaller smokers for brisket and wings.

Pik N Pig to open Feb. 18

A view of the lobby looking into the Pik N Pig’s dining area/Sandhills Sentinel.

The kitchen and the dining room are divided with an open window and bar. “We got the idea from when we first came here,” said Ashley. “There was a bar, and we would sit and talk. The architect said we needed to bring that in, so it was an executive decision.”

“I’ve done this all my life, and I have never been able to have a hand in the kitchen design,” said Ashley. “That was exciting for me, and we wanted a larger kitchen. There is equipment that we never had before, so we used it today as training and will be training over the next few weeks before we open.”

You will notice a difference when you walk in the door, but one focal point remains the same. A staple from the old Carthage Post Office was salvaged and restored and remains in the large open lobby.

Pik N Pig to open on February 18

The old Carthage Post Office’s window is in the lobby of the new Pik n Pig/Sandhills Sentinel.

“If you look around, you will see a lot of familiar faces. We were able to retain nine original employees,” added Ashley. According to their Facebook page, they are currently hiring for multiple positions.

There will be slight menu changes, and some foods may be limited when they first open. Hours are Thursday – Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Feature photo: Guests enjoy a private lunch at the Pik N Pig on Jan. 27.

Sandhills_Sentinel~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Curtis Self.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email