At this point, you all know that Tommy of Tommy’s Country Ham House is “hanging up the apron” after 36 years, but you may have missed this little detail in the press release, “The property has been purchased by a Charleston based restaurant group with plans to remodel the existing building for a new dining concept set to open in early 2022.”

Our good friend Ms. Know it All (Lady Whistledown in a past life) has heard from a few friends that Lewis Barbecue is the Charleston based restaurant group that might take over the space at 214 Rutherford St.

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“All hail the king” (maybe) | Photo via @lewisbarbecue

While many of you might still be crying into your grits wondering who could ever think about replacing Tommy’s, a new barbecue spot might be just the thing. While a lot of things about the new restaurant group are still TBA (like the identity, first and foremost, and if they would continue the tradition of being a famous campaign stop for presidential hopefuls), Lewis Barbecue has garnered quite a bit of high praise over the years. Like this write up in the Washington Post and this mention by Southern Living and this "Best of" list from Conde Nast Traveler, among others.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJoMEZbpdo9/

Hope y’all aren’t hungry| Photo via @lewisbarbecue + @calvadosck

Down in Charleston, this Central Texas-style barbecue joint has been serving up brisket, sausage, and the like for almost five years. Additionally, they own + operate Juan Luis Mexican Food Truck that is parked permanently right in the backyard and boast some pretty spectacular looking outdoor seating that would really transform that large parking lot at Tommy’s.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEo2thjD6T6/

Sittin’ pretty at Lewis Barbecue in Charleston | Photo via @lewisbarbecue

Regardless of whether these rumors turn out to be true, Tommy’s sure does offer its next owners a lot to work with – including a whole lot of memories + 300 spots of indoor seating.

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