SCBBQ by the Numbers: The 2025 Survey’s In
Hey Reader
After months of gathering responses from more than 1,300 people across South Carolina—and sorting through all those answers—I’ve just released the 2025 South Carolina BBQ Survey Report. (Which is also why there hasn't been a Monday or Friday newsletter for a while.)
Have to say, it’s an interesting look at what folks across the Palmetto State really think about barbecue.
A few quick takeaways:
- We redrew the SC BBQ sauce map. The old regional borders? They’ve shifted. See which sauce rules your part of the state now.
- Classic names lead the pack, but there’s no runaway winner in the list of Top 10 BBQ restaurants. Some beloved spots didn’t even crack the list.
- Pork’s still king, but brisket’s found a fanbase—especially in the Upstate.
- Hash over rice? Still the norm… unless you’re from Cherokee County.
- Only one person statewide said they never eat BBQ. One. Out of 1,350.
And that’s just a taste of what you'll find inside.
We asked about sauce preferences, meat cuts, home cooking habits, where folks buy their sauce, what they value in a restaurant, how often they eat barbecue, and much, much more.
Each question we reported on comes with statewide and regional analysis along with county-level highlights.
👉 You can read the full report here:
SC BBQ Survey 2025 – See What We Learned
You may agree, you may argue—but you’ll definitely learn something new.
Cheers,
Jim
PS: Do me a favor? Forward this email (or a link to the survey) on to others who might enjoy it or to local newspapers or journalists who might be helped by some of the data. BBQ season is here, and I'm sure the topic is on their content calendars. Thanks!
PPS: Bonus points for sharing a link to the survey on your favorite social channels! Thanks again!
