Imagine that you are a business owner and suddenly there’s a sizable influx of your customers who come in and offer condolences and say they had to come in “one last time before your close up shop.” Now imagine that there’s nothing further from the truth — you have no plans to close up shop. In fact, business has been fine until this sudden spurt of concern. Well, you’ve just imagined the plight of Charlie McGee and his General & Catering Manager Virginia Kierstead. Especially so because their Charlie’s Piggin N Grinnin in the Benton Harbor Arts District is absolutely not closing down business.
Charlie’s Piggin N Grinnin is very much alive and well at 136 Territorial Road at the Arts District crossroads, and they have no plans whatsoever of closing. They’re trying desperately to get to the bottom of whoever started the rumor because it is not true.
Charlie McGee and his wife Susan grew up Memphis and later continued their BBQ education living near Kansas City. In 2004, they combined their knowledge and love of home cooking, smoking, competing and eating to open Charlie’s Piggin N Grinnin in the Benton Harbor Arts District. That’s 14 years ago, and they’re still going strong.
In fact, the business has evolved from a competition team run out of a garage, to a thriving lunch and dinner favorite. Even when Charlie isn’t behind the counter himself these days, he tells us he is lucky to have such an experienced staff and treats them and his customers like family.
The leader of the bunch is Catering & General Manager Virginia Kierstead, who has 12 years of experience, and keeps the brisket and pork slow smoking, the beans and greens simmering, and the cornbread and desserts fresh from the oven. She caters for any event you can think of— large or small, full service or buffet, delivery or pickup. They regularly do weddings, graduations, office parties, reunions and a whole lot more.
Even Charlie’s grandson, Will, works at Piggin N Grinnin. Will has been “working” at the shop with his Momma and Granny since he was 2, and now he keeps the tradition going after school and on weekends.
They especially want you to know that the shop is still plugging along because Piggin’ N Grinnin’ works to help support the youth in our area by working with local charities, schools and Rotary Clubs as well as fundraising groups that are dear to the hearts of many in the community.
Virginia says, “If you haven’t been to Piggin N Grinnin yet, or you thought we were leaving, you are missing out. If you haven’t been in a while, it’s time to come try our ever changing menu and see the same friendly faces that have served you for years.”
As it has been since day one, Charlie’s Piggin N Grinnin is at the crossroads of the Arts District at 136 Territorial Road in downtown Benton Harbor. You can reach them by phone at 269-934-7675, or email them at info@piggin-n-grinnin.com.
You can also learn more on their website by clicking this link: http://www.piggin-n-grinnin.com
