Pigman’s Bar-B-Que was created by Bill Shaver in late 1985 as a way to supplement the revenue from his ham shop. Nicknamed, “The Pigman,” (after his adoration for his pet pig, Piggy Lou), Shaver experimented with a variety of smokers and tinkered with his own sauces until he was satisfied that he had created the ultimate barbeque experience.  Apparently others agreed, as Pigman’s Bar-B-Que was soon honored with the “Best of the Outer Banks” award for barbeque. The original, vinegar-based sauce was actually created in a five-gallon bucket, though now it is bottled and mixed in Virginia along with three other types of sauces. These sauces have become so popular that they are often shipped throughout the country and even overseas so that customers can enjoy the taste of Eastern North Carolina Style barbeque in their own homes. In the spring of 1991, Shaver built a new and much larger restaurant, a traditional frame building reminiscent of a country house. A variety of pets, including two potbelly pigs, were kept outside to attract visitors and give children something to do before and after eating. Although the animals no longer exist outside the restaurant, a collection of authentic Pigman’s Bar-B-Que apparel and other retail goods catches the eyes of customers. An incredibly efficient kitchen layout and well-trained staff makes for good food fast—not fast food. The barbeque actually cooks overnight for 14 hours, a slow-cooking process that will not be compromised. Pigman’s Bar-B-Que’s unique smoking process uses a blend of hickory and oak. Hickory gives the meat a big punch of smokiness, while the oak softens the blow and rounds out the flavor in every bite. In addition to traditional pork and beef barbeque, Pigman’s Bar-B-Que offers Turkey-Que, Tuna-Que, and Catfish-Que. These are naturally low-fat meats with only Pigman’s Bar-B-Que seasoning added. Smoked chicken and ribs, shrimp, Buffalo wings, deli sandwiches, and a variety of sides round out the menu for this barbeque specialty restaurant. Pigman’s Bar-B-Que maintains the legacy two decades after the doors to the original location first opened, and continue to offer a premium product with a side of Southern hospitality. They have begun offering franchises as a means of penetrating new markets to highly motivated, customer-oriented entrepreneurs, those who share Pigman’s Bar-B-Que’s passion for creating premium barbeque products.