Home Team BBQ takes over empty Mount Pleasant space

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One of Charleston’s most popular barbecue restaurants is expanding into north Mount Pleasant.

Home Team BBQ will open a new location in the former Rusty Rudder restaurant at 3563 N. U.S. Highway 17, directly across the highway from Wando High School.

The eatery has three more local locations in downtown Charleston, West Ashley and Sullivan’s Island.

After six years, The Rusty Rudder announced on social media it was closing its doors in March 2020, leaving the location vacant.

The Home Team BBQ group plans to rehab and rejuvenate the modest wooden building to bring their smoked meats, full restaurant and bar in 2022.

Aaron Siegel, chief operation partner and pitmaster, said the location “feels like a Home Team to us. We love rehabbing an old school spot, and this place already has the feel of a fish shack or barbecue shop.”

The renovation will be designed by Jenny Keenan Design, McGinnis Leathers and the four operating partners: Aaron Siegel, Taylor Garrigan, Sean Daniher and Tony McKie.

The company worked with long-time real estate partner Peninsula Development to find its fourth Lowcountry space. Upon Rusty Rudder closing, Peninsula purchased the property in 2020.

At the future Mount Pleasant Home Team, the company said guests can “expect to find the same good vibes, multi-regional barbecue, creative daily specials and extensive bar program folks have come to know and love.”

A large outdoor space will serve as an open-air courtyard at the new location, with plenty of television screens for game day and space for socializing.

In keeping with other Charleston-area locations, Siegel said the Mount Pleasant restaurant is expected to hold regular events, including live music, oyster roasts, pig pickings and more. The new location will offer a family-friendly atmosphere for the nearby north Mount Pleasant neighborhoods — and is also in proximity to Roper St. Francis Hospital.

Since 2006, Home Team BBQ has built a thriving business with a collection of restaurants in the Charleston area, as well as outpost locations in Columbia, Greenville, and Aspen, Colo. Home Team BBQ has been featured in several national publications, including Travel + Leisure, Esquire, USA Today, Southern Living and Food & Wine.

Home Team BBQ specializes in slow-cooked meats, multi-regional barbecue platters and sandwiches that include pulled pork, pulled chicken, chopped brisket and ribs, along with sides, smoked chicken wings and a full-bar program with frozen cocktails and a variety of craft beers curated by beverage director and director of operations Adam Rothstein.