|  The
Bessingers are the first family of barbeque in South Carolina,
known for their legendary mustard-based barbeque sauce, a Carolina
classic since the 1930s. By keeping the business in the family
and taking a hands-on approach to managing the restaurant, Thomas
Bessinger and his sons, Tommy and Michael, have maintained a warm,
friendly and relaxed atmosphere that welcomes customers and makes
them feel like they're part of the family. That attention to customer
service and the best barbeque in the South have made Bessinger's
a true legend. As a family, they've preserved the authentic flavor
and vision of family patriarch, "Big Joe" Bessinger, and that's
what keeps customers coming back time and again.
Thomas Bessinger
Founder and CEO
Bessinger's BBQ
Thomas Bessinger, the legend behind Bessinger's BBQ, is a man
who believes in the value of hard work. Through his dedication
and with help from his two sons, Tommy and Michael, Bessinger's
has grown into the successful operation it is today. Born in Orangeburg
and raised in Holly Hill, S.C, Thomas started cooking and prepping
sandwiches at his dad's restaurant, Eat at Joe's, when he was
just 14. He joined the army after high school and spent two years
overseas, cooking meals for large groups of soldiers. When discharged,
Thomas came to the 'big city' of Charleston where his family had
relocated and helped his brother run one of the family's newly-opened
Piggy Park barbeque restaurants. In 1960, he decided it was time
to open his own place and hence the restaurant that is today Bessinger's
BBQ was born. In his 70s now, you can still find Thomas hard at
work in the kitchen, making sure Bessinger's continues to serve
the best barbeque to the people of Charleston.
Tommy Bessinger
Co-owner and Co-manager
Bessinger's BBQ
For native Charlestonian Tommy Bessinger, barbeque has always
been a part of life -- from the time he was a baby eating barbeque
in his high chair at the family's home behind the restaurant to
his current role as co-owner and manager. At 13, Tommy started
working for his dad doing an assortment of jobs around Bessinger's,
and by the time he was 17, was already managing the restaurant
when he was not in school. Besides barbeque, Tommy is passionate
about snow skiing, hitting the slopes of West Virginia and Colorado
whenever he gets a chance. And like every Southern boy, he enjoys
being around the water and playing golf. Tommy lives West of the
Ashley in Charleston and is the proud father of two children.
Michael Bessinger
Co-owner and Co-manager
Bessinger's BBQ
Born and raised in Charleston, S.C., as the youngest of four
children, Michael Bessinger was introduced to the barbeque business
at an early age. While growing up, Michael often helped his dad,
Thomas Bessinger, fill bottles with the family's renowned mustard-based
gold sauce. He became an official member of the Bessinger's BBQ
team at 14 when his dad hired him to bus tables and do other odd
jobs around the restaurant on his weekends home from Holly Hill
Academy, a private school in Holly Hill, S.C. At only 21, he was
named one of the restaurant's managers and today is co-owner of
the restaurant with his dad and brother, Tommy. When Michael is
not busy in the pits or greeting customers, he loves to be outdoors
whether it's landscaping (both his home and the restaurant), spending
time on the water, golfing or snow skiing. Michael and his wife,
Faith, are also active in their church ministry and live with
their new daughter in Charleston West of the Ashley. |