Sticky Fingers Rib House, once a staple in the Charleston area with multiple locations, has announced the closure of its final restaurant. The Memphis-style barbecue chain, which first opened in Mount Pleasant in March 1992, made the announcement on Facebook on Friday. The restaurant expressed gratitude to its guests, team, and partner vendors for their support over the years.
Rise and Fall of Sticky Fingers
Sticky Fingers enjoyed strong success in the 1990s and early 2000s, expanding across South Carolina and into Florida. The chain even launched a line of five signature barbecue sauces, which continue to be available in stores. However, in later years, the restaurant struggled, citing “inconsistent leadership” as a key factor in declining food quality, service, and sales. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these challenges, leading to the closure of nine of its remaining 11 locations.
Notable Locations and Memorable Visits
One of the chain’s most iconic locations was at 235 Meeting St., now home to Matador Charleston. In 2004, President George W. Bush stopped by the restaurant with U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham during a visit to Charleston. The location also became famous for displaying a large portrait of comedian Stephen Colbert, a Charleston native, which was later won in a charity auction. Other notable visitors included Grammy Award winner Keb’ Mo’ and actor John Goodman, who both stopped in during the same weekend in 2018.
The End of an Era
The last remaining Sticky Fingers restaurant, located at 5060 Dorchester Road in North Charleston, officially closed its doors, marking the end of the restaurant’s legacy in the area. The Meeting Street and Mount Pleasant locations had already closed by 2020. Despite its decline in recent years, Sticky Fingers remains a cherished part of Charleston’s dining history.
