Charleston, SC – A popular barbecue restaurant in Charleston, Rodney Scott’s BBQ, has officially closed its doors for the time being. The restaurant, located at 1011 King St., will shut down at 5 p.m. on Sunday and will remain closed until further notice. This comes as the Pihakis Restaurant Group, which operates several Rodney Scott’s locations, faces significant legal and financial issues.
Legal Troubles Behind the Closure
The closure follows a lawsuit filed by Evans Meats, Inc., a supplier to the restaurant, which claims breach of contract and alleges that the Pihakis Restaurant Group owes $394,238.74. Additionally, public records reveal that landlord and developer Michael Mouron has filed over $12 million in liens tied to several properties operated by the restaurant group, citing unpaid rent.
Customer Reactions to the Sudden Shutdown
The sudden closure caught many customers off guard, particularly those who had planned to dine at the restaurant on its final day of operation. Jerry and Kathy Manese, visitors from Myrtle Beach, expressed their disappointment but shared fond memories of their meal.
“We were really excited because he’s like, ‘Oh, this is a Michelin restaurant. This is really cool. It’s like the best barbecue,’” Kathy Manese said. “But we were shocked to hear it’s closing at 5:00 today. At least we got to enjoy the food while we could. The catfish and hushpuppies were amazing—some of the best we’ve ever had.”
Hopes for the Future
Despite the restaurant’s closure, many customers, including the Maneses, expressed hope that investors would step in to save the beloved establishment. “I hope some investors come and save it because it’s a really wonderful place,” said Jerry Manese. Kathy echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the quality of both the food and the staff.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ had built a loyal following over the years, making the sudden closure a blow to the local dining scene. Whether or not the restaurant will reopen remains uncertain, but for now, its future hangs in the balance as legal and financial challenges persist.
