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Oink! Oink! The Crazy Pig is Open for Your Dining Pleasure

by | Jun 13, 2020 | Local Businesses, News

Eileen and Rob McCrary

 

Owners Robert and Eileen McCrary opened the doors quietly on their new restaurant in the former Fuel Pizza restaurant on Main Street in South Davidson. On Tuesday evening they served drop-by patrons, after hosting the town’s first responders on Wednesday evening.

The McCrarys are no strangers to food service, nor to this area. Robert had some success as a soap opera actor in the Los Angeles area, but his biggest catch was meeting and marrying Eileen. Fast forward a few years and the couple are packing bags and four children heading east, believing life on Lake Norman is best for their children.

After working in a few area restaurants, the couple opened one of their own—The Egg in Mooresville. That single establishment was successful enough that they opened second and third branches in Birkdale and Davidson. They have been serving eggs and more in Davidson’s Sadler Square since 2007. But last year they were ready to try something a little different. So, when Fuel Pizza came on the market last fall, they seized the opportunity.

They planned for a “barbecue place” and were getting ready to begin renovation last winter when the pandemic hit, and everything shut down. Needless to say, they’re excited that they can finally cook and serve. Eileen said the process was encouraged from the beginning by friends and neighbors. She describes the décor as “industrial rustic with a farm flair,” incorporating donated pieces of art, panels of metal grating, old hubcaps and wall hangings.

The Crazy Pig can accommodate a large crowd. The main indoor dining area seats 60 people, the outdoor patio can accommodate 45, and the bar at the far end of the dining room will offer a dozen local brews on tap for another dozen patrons. The restaurant will hire a staff of about 15.

Robert said The Crazy Pig will be an affordable, family-friendly restaurant with a menu featuring traditional barbecue fare of starters, sandwiches and platters of pulled pork, brisket and smoked chicken. The namesake sandwich is pulled pork on a brioche bun with pickles and homemade slaw with one side at $9.50. Robert said, “We want to offer a good product at a reasonable price in an inviting atmosphere. Everyone in Davidson knows each other, and we want to welcome them as a place to gather.”

It’s a logical question and many people ask. But Robert admits they don’t have a good story about the origin of the name. But they remember that it happened early in the process, and that Robert settled on it when searching the internet for various barbecue-themed names. He just liked the way “Crazy” and “Pig” fit together—short and memorable like “The Egg.”

We suspect this new pig will stay in Davidson for many years to come!

Bill Giduz

Bill Giduz was the son who followed his father’s footsteps into journalism. He has been involved his entire life with news and photography in schools he attended and jobs he’s held. He believes now that he’s got a few good years left to devote to The News of Davidson.

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