Community Spotlight: The Mean Pig BBQ
In a world where fast food chains and trendy eateries pop up on every corner, there’s something special about a family-owned business that has stood the test of time. The Mean Pig BBQ, a staple in the community since 1997, has done just that. But for Chad Merritt, the journey hasn’t always been about barbecue; it’s been about family, community, and maintaining a legacy that extends far beyond the kitchen.
Merritt’s connection to the business began when he was just eleven years old. “I’ve been doing this essentially my whole life,” he said, recalling the early days of learning the ropes in the kitchen. Yet, as much as he enjoyed the process and the people, running the restaurant wasn’t always his plan. “It’s not what I wanted to do with my life, but it’s what I ended up doing,” he admitted, reflecting on the path that led him back to the family business in his twenties.
Over time, Merritt realized that The Mean Pig BBQ was more than just a place to grab a bite to eat—it was woven into the fabric of the community. “We became part of people’s everything,” he shared. From providing meals for families with newborns to being the go-to spot for birthday celebrations and college graduations, the restaurant has played a role in countless family milestones. “I’ve seen kids born, go through school, graduate, and now they’re in college themselves,” Merritt said, marveling at the generations of loyal customers who have continued to support the business.
The family’s involvement in the community extends beyond the walls of the restaurant. Every Thanksgiving, they organize meal baskets for families in need, a tradition that has touched many lives. “We took nominations via Facebook and put together 15 meals last year,” Merritt mentioned. The restaurant also supports The CALL, a local organization caring for children and teens in foster care, a cause close to the heart of Merritt’s wife, Audrey, who is deeply involved in the effort. “It’s very near and dear to our hearts,” he added, emphasizing the importance of giving back.
Photo courtesy of Chad Merritt
Audrey Merritt’s role in the business is pivotal. Though she once declared, “I don’t do barbecue,” she has become an integral part of the operation. As the unofficial HR manager, Audrey takes care of the staff, providing both personal and professional support. “She’s their work mom,” Merritt explained, noting that her background as a therapist has made her a trusted confidante for employees. Whether it’s handling workplace issues or offering a listening ear, Audrey’s influence is felt throughout the team. “She helps them with personal issues and work issues—all the things,” he said.
In keeping with their commitment to the community, The Mean Pig BBQ has set up a billboard inside the restaurant where patrons can pay for a meal and leave a ticket for anyone in need. “People come in and say, ‘Hey, I want to buy some sandwiches for that meal board up there,’” Merritt explained. The system is discreet—anyone can come in, take a ticket, and receive a meal, no questions asked. “All they have to do is grab a ticket, hand it to us, and we’ll take care of the rest,” he added. This simple gesture has provided countless meals to those who might otherwise go without, reinforcing the restaurant’s role as a cornerstone of community support.
Of course, no discussion of The Mean Pig BBQ would be complete without mentioning their signature “Shut Up Juice,” a hot barbecue sauce that has become the stuff of local legend. “People would always ask, ‘You got anything hotter?’” Merritt recalled. Rising to the challenge, he and his father created a sauce that did more than just add a kick—it shut you up. The sauce became so popular that it inspired a challenge, drawing heat-seekers from near and far to test their tolerance. “We’ve had 35,000-plus people try it, but only around 350 have won,” Merritt revealed, underscoring the sauce’s fiery reputation.
Running a family business for over two decades is no small feat, especially in a market that has become increasingly crowded with new competitors. “It’s been hard because there have been so many other options coming down,” Merritt explained, describing the challenge of staying relevant in a changing landscape. The restaurant’s location, once surrounded by just a gas station, has seen the arrival of big names like Waffle House and McDonald’s. But Merritt and his team have found ways to keep The Mean Pig BBQ on people’s radar, from an active social media presence to the dancing pig mascot that has become a local icon.
What sets The Mean Pig BBQ apart isn’t just the food, but the atmosphere. The restaurant embodies the true essence of a family business, where everyone—from employees to customers—is treated like kin. “If you wouldn’t eat it, don’t put it on a plate,” Merritt tells his staff, a principle that has guided their commitment to quality. And it’s this personal touch, along with the respect and care they show each other, that has fostered a loyal team and a welcoming environment for all who walk through their doors.
Audrey’s presence has also contributed to the restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere. As someone who initially wasn’t drawn to the barbecue business, she has embraced the role of caretaker, not just for the staff but for the community as well. “She’s very passionate about being part of the family and making this work,” Merritt said, highlighting how the couple’s shared vision has helped steer the business into the future. Together, they have been working on a vision for the restaurant that marries tradition with forward-thinking innovation. “We’ve finally got some things that are coming together,” Merritt noted, expressing excitement for what lies ahead.
As for the future, Merritt has ambitions of expanding the business, potentially opening two or three more shops. But for now, his focus remains on maintaining the legacy that his family has built and ensuring that The Mean Pig BBQ continues to be a place where memories are made. “I would love for this to be one of those Cabot things that people will talk about 30 years from now,” he said, hopeful that the restaurant will continue to be a beloved institution for generations to come.
For those who have never visited The Mean Pig BBQ, Merritt has a simple promise: “You can expect our love and dedication to our product. We cook things with pride, and we make things with pride.” And in a world that often values convenience over connection, that dedication makes all the difference.
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Aug. 28th, 2024