LKN Scoop Feature: The Crazy Pig BBQ Taphouse

Robert McCrary didn’t take the usual path to restaurant ownership.

Before opening The Crazy Pig BBQ in Davidson, he was working in the entertainment industry — appearing on shows like One Life to Live and Santa Barbara. But after a career pivot and years of experience in restaurants, he decided to create something of his own.

In this short Q&A, Robert shares the story behind The Crazy Pig, what he really eats off the menu, and the role his restaurant plays in the local community.

✦ What’s your personal favorite meal on the menu?

“The BBQ Quesadilla!!!! This was a dish that started not on the menu, but I was getting tired of having bbq everyday for lunch so I made this… and kept tweaking it until it was soooooo good, I had to put it on the menu!”

✦ Is there a “sleeper hit” you wish more people would try?

“Again the BBQ Quesadilla… and the Frito Pie. Homemade chili dumped into a bag of Fritos with sour cream, melted cheese and green onions… very fun!”

✦ What inspired you to start The Crazy Pig?

“I used to be a soap opera actor (One Life to Live & Santa Barbara), but was always working in restaurants on the side. One day, after the phone had stopped ringing and the restaurant group I was working with wanted me to go into management… I decided to take a different path in life (one with a little more stability). The rest is history.”

✦ Do you host any events or specials that locals should look out for?

“We host big concerts (Town of Davidson Concert Series) — next one is August 30th! I usually have my own live music on the patio, but this summer it’s just been too hot to really get people to sit outside… Augh! We do a lot with Davidson College as far as feeding the teams, selling BBQ at the games, as well as with the local high schools.

Occasionally, we rent out the entire restaurant for a wedding or large party (usually host the college football alumni party and the team dinners), but we are not that big to have a separate room or anything.”

✦ What role do you hope your restaurant plays in the community?

“Well, The Egg Café is also here now, and it has been a staple of the community for 18 years, so we certainly enjoy being the local gathering place for friends and family. We’ve seen many generations of kids grow up before our eyes. It’s nice to recognize everyone in town!!”

📍 Stop by The Crazy Pig

Want to try the BBQ Quesadilla or Frito Pie for yourself?

📍 Visit them at: https://www.thecrazypigbbq.com/

📸 Follow along on Instagram: Click Here