Soon enough, the owner was ready. Mike says the place became available on a Thursday, and he had the deal by the following Tuesday. He took two weeks off his job to get it rolling. He figured his employees could run things while he kept working days, and would take over at night.

Word spread fast and Mike needed to commit full-time to this popular place. And like any reputable “hole-in-the wall” Mike focused on the food, not the décor. The offering were standard Carolina style pulled pork sandwiches, barbeque chicken, falloff the bone ribs, with a few new items to take the experience up a notch. There is a white barbeque sauce for chicken, a little tribute to a favorite from North Carolina. He wanted to feed people with quality and affordability, yet still stick to what he knows best: authentic Southern cuisine. He even kept on his menu, the stuffed taters that were on the previous owner’s menu, for a little familiarity. And everyday, the line up snakes down the street!

Mike also recognized early in the business, that key to a great barbeque establishment is its signature sauce. SAW’s BBQ has just that, from Mike’s own creativity. It’s true to tradition in that sweet concoction on tangy and vinegar goodness … and a few secrets. It’s a little thinner than most, which makes it great for dipping, meat, taters and bread. SAW’s Sauce is famous and has been available now for the last 10 years in bottled take-home sizes. It’s also available in grocery stores throughout Alabama. “It’s a perfect name for a product developed over the course of so many good time with good friends of days gone by,” confesses Mike. 

The success of SAW’S BBQ restaurant, and sauce, has led to many favorable reviews from barbecue aficionados, across the state, and the country. Mike has stayed true to the heart of the business and when it came time to expand, he did so with care. The restaurant offers catering for parties and events, and just about everything is available for take out.