The Twisted Pig BBQ and More in Sumter

The Twisted Pig in Sumter serves true wood-cooked barbecue, but their origin story might be just as authentic. Here is their story as only co-owner Amber Coker can tell it:

“Couple years ago my husband Jerry (the grill master) had a massive heart attack and the doctor said, “You need to slow down.” But that’s not what he does!

“He says to me! Let’s build a food trailer! He wanted to do what he loved! So that’s just what we did!

“Built it from the ground up! We opened it in July 2022, and I thought, “Ok! We are good now.” But nope!

“He called me one day and says, “Honey, I found us a building!” I was like ummm, but as I always say to him…I got your back! We opened the first restaurant in Lugoff January 2023 and could not have ever imagined we would be where we are! It’s been a dream come true and a testament that GOD is good!”

Lugoff Success Story

The original Twisted Pig location in Lugoff became known for its mouthwatering brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and a standout all-you-can-eat buffet. Locals quickly embraced the restaurant for its hearty portions and welcoming environment, making it a staple in the community. The Lugoff location is a family affair, with Jerry’s and Amber’s young daughter, Andi Layne, often helping out, waiting tables and adding to the family-friendly atmosphere.

“Our approach to barbecue is about more than just food,” says Jerry. “It’s about creating a place where people can come together, share a meal, and feel part of something.”

Bringing BBQ Home to Summerton

Building on the success of their now-closed Lugoff location, the Cokers brought their barbecue concept to Jerry’s hometown of Summerton, South Carolina, opening on October 4, 2024. The restaurant offers the same beloved menu—brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and their all-you-can-eat buffet—while aiming to help revitalize Main Street.

As Jerry told manninglive.com’s Melissa McCoy, “We want to be part of making Main Street better, helping Summerton grow. We’d love to see other businesses succeed, too.”

Expanding to Sumter

The Cokers didn’t slow down after Summerton. Just months later, they opened a new location in Sumter, bringing their wood-cooked barbecue and signature sides to a larger market.

For Jerry, the Sumter spot is both an opportunity and a challenge: a chance to introduce more people to their hickory-smoked meats and scratch-made dishes, while keeping the same family-driven, community-minded atmosphere that has defined The Twisted Pig from the start.

Like its sister restaurant, the Sumter location serves up their signature brisket, tender pork ribs, “red” hash, and fried favorites, along with the full lineup of homemade sauces—including the crowd-favorite Sweet Red—ready for pouring. This location is designed for convenience, offering drive-through and takeout service so guests can enjoy their favorites on the go.

Amber says their approach won’t change, no matter how much they grow: “We want every guest to feel like family, to enjoy the food, and to leave here planning their next visit.”

Hickory-Seasoned Menu

“We do the traditional pulled pork,” Amber shared, “but we take it to the cook shed (after it’s been delicately seasoned) where we cook it on hickory wood for hourssss! Pull up a seat cause you gonna be there a while!

“We also serve up the most tender smoked brisket you will ever put in your mouth! And our pork ribs are so tender with just the right amount of tug! All wood-cooked, but you’ll see that in that beautiful smoke ring!

“And for those who like fried food, we got pork chops that will make your mouth water, fried chicken legs, and all the fixins!

“We serve what they call a ‘red’ hash! We make it out of butts! None of that extra stuff though! It’s a sweet saucy flavor…and man it’s goooood, if I do say so myself!

“All sauces are homemade in house. Most popular is Sweet Red… it’s our sweet, vinegar house sauce that will make you wanna slap your momma, but you better DONT! Mustard BBQ sauce for those who like that kind of stuff! Hot mustard cause I mean why not! Pepper Vinegar Sauce for those who like to take it back ol school!”

Buffet at Summerton

While both locations offer the same wood-cooked meats, Summerton is the only spot where guests can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet. Served daily from open to close, the buffet features hash and rice, mac-n-cheese, collards, cowboy beans, yams, flat beans, coleslaw, potato salad, fried okra, hush puppies, and southern banana pudding—all freshly prepared.

What Folks Are Saying About Twisted Pig

Facebook Review

Among the many reviews for The Twisted Pig, Christina Napoli Ross writes her review from experience:

Visited twice so far once for carry-out and once for dining in on the buffet.

I ordered the loaded potato the first time because of the photos on Facebook and it did not disappoint! The only feedback on this is that there was a TAD too much slaw on this, it sort of drowned out the taste of the sauce but I will definitely order this again!

My second time there I went with my husband for the buffet so I could taste a little bit of everything.

The meats were tender and fall off the bone which is what I would expect from a BBQ place, and everything was hot and fresh. The hush puppies are a HIT.

The green beans are super spicy – more spicy than I like but I’m sure there are other people out there that like them.

I liked the option of mustard sauce, vinegar, or sweet sauce. I’m not a mustard-based sauce person so having the option of the sweet sauce was a nice addition.

I can’t do this review without talking about the staff. Super friendly and kind.

They were noticeably busy for their small corner of the world and kept a smile on their faces and never made anyone dining in feel like they were being rushed.

Given all the food on the buffet and the economy that we are in, I feel that the prices are just right for what was offered. I will be back — I want another potato!

Google Review

Local Guide Tabatha Moore was much more succinct but equally pleased in her review of The Twisted Pig:

Atmosphere was amazing. Service was on point. Food top-notch for Sumter. The brisket tacos were mouthwatering. The meat was tender. Everything was very flavorful and hot. The fries are delicious with the seasoning salt on them. The green beans are out of this world in the Oreo, delight for dessert was The icing on the cake. I have not had a better brisket in my life.

Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant for the most up-to-date information.

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