In 2009, I met a poster on the LR who thought his father would be interested in helping me get Piggy's open. The contract was written with me giving up 100% ownership in exchange for a salary and the option to buy back ownership. It was still considered to be "my baby" and from interacting with people through the years, everyone thought it was. It was my concept, recipes, ideas and if you'd ask anyone, I was very happy doing what I was doing. Got the opportunity to meet some really great people and serve some good bbq. In June 2013, at least 6 people in the LR and others around Tally were told by that same LR poster "We don't think Brian's going to last as we think he's stealing from Piggy's". Some of those have even posted in this thread. That got back to me and the happiness subsided. A forensic accountant was hired and ultimately reported I had done nothing wrong but was the victim of high food costs, high labor and lack of funding yet no apology was given for the accusations. I knew the writing was on the wall. August 31 2014 was my last day 5 years to the day I opened it and the last time I was there. I continue to get calls about the quality decline, removed menu items and changed recipes and just laugh now when I hear it. As Desi noted, 3 weeks ago I moved to the Huntsville area as I've been working on my next venture with 2 patents I've filed to get a few products off the ground.
In regards to 4 Rivers, I think they have some really good BBQ and the best in Tally. I met John Rivers when he first opened in Tally and we had a long talk and I wish him nothing but continued success. It has been my go-to BBQ place since they opened. If you haven't been yet, I highly recommend them. Similar concept (basically identical) to Piggy's but bigger.
