Bessinger's Seeks “Love at First Barbeque Bite” Tales

Thursday, February 9

CHARLESTON, S.C. –Bessinger's Barbeque, a Charleston restaurant whose owners have been serving up famous barbeque since 1946, is launching its first “Love at First Barbeque Bite” Valentine’s contest for the best love story that started (or simmered nicely) over Bessinger’s Barbeque.

This time last year, Michael and Faith Bessinger told their story in National Barbeque News of falling in love at Bessinger’s, where after they met there and found love at first site (and bite), they were surprised to learn that both of their parents had also fallen in love over Bessinger’s barbeque. “I always say, ‘the secret’s in the sauce,’” Michael Bessinger said. The couple is expecting their second child in March.

Couples may submit their heart-warming tales of how Bessinger’s barbeque was a main ingredient in their love affair at www.bessingersbbq.com. Ten couples with the most delectable stories submitted online by March 21st will win a “couple” of gift certificates for a “couple” of succulent barbeque sandwiches or choice of two sauces containing the “secret” ingredients.

Additionally, Bessinger’s Web site is accepting entries for the “Raising the ‘Bar’ in Barbeque” contest that runs through Friday, April 21st in honor of the restaurant’s 60th anniversary this year. Guests can submit their recipes featuring Bessinger’s signatures sauces or the barbeque rub, or a combination of both. The best overall winner receives a barbeque dinner for 12 delivered by Bessinger’s “When Pigs Fly” catering service, and a years’ supply (four Piggie Packs containing three bottles each) of signature sauces. Additional prizes will be awarded to the top three entries in each of the following categories: recipes using the Original Golden Recipe sauce; recipes using the Spicy Golden Recipe sauce; recipes using the Hickory Smoke Recipe sauce; recipes using the Bar-Be-Que Rub.

Also new on the Web site, Bessinger’s fans can sign up to receive the Bessinger’s BBQ monthly e-newsletter, which will offer tasty tidbits, specials and news about the restaurant, the Bessinger family, the “When Pigs Fly” catering service and the “Frequent Flying Pig Club” (F2P2) whereby loyal fans earn rewards for their favorite barbeque and sauce at the restaurant, through catering and/or by ordering at the online shop.

A Charleston tradition since 1946, Bessinger's Barbeque, 1602 Savannah Highway, serves Southern-style barbeque, sandwiches and sides made with the highest quality ingredients. The restaurant, in its third generation of ownership by the Bessinger family, offers both a buffet-style restaurant and a more traditional "good food fast" setting. A favorite of locals and tourists alike, Bessinger's is known for its doughnut-style onion rings and golden barbeque sauce, both given rave reviews by Southern Living magazine. For more information, visit www.bessingersbbq.com.