About Silver's NC BBQ
Silver's NC BBQ traces its roots to the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe in Hollister, NC, where my father, Nelson, and my mom, Lue Jean, both proud members of the tribe, hosted family and friends each year for the annual Haliwa-Saponi Pow Wow. The highlight of these gatherings was the "Pig Pickin'," where my father would cook a whole hog using authentic North Carolina BBQ methods. For 10-12 hours, he slow-cooked the hog with oak and hickory wood, basting it with his signature vinegar-based sauce.
At their home, my mom made sure everyone followed "house rules": treating others with dignity and respect, no alcohol or drugs, and attending church on Sundays. After church, the family and guests would come together to share the feast, where everyone could pick their favorite cuts of BBQ pork. Alongside the hog, my mom would prepare her special dishes, and family and friends contributed their own favorites, making it a true community meal.
Today, Silver's NC BBQ continues to honor those family traditions, bringing the same sweet, tangy flavors and time-honored cooking methods from Eastern North Carolina to Fort Smith. Silver’s NC BBQ food truck prides itself on "farm to table."
The Story Of Silver's NC BBQ
Inspiration and Beginnings
From the earliest memories of my childhood, the aroma of whole hog North Carolina BBQ filled the air, courtesy of my father. He was a quiet man, but his BBQ spoke volumes. Every bite was a testament to his skill, a skill he patiently and lovingly passed on to me. My love for this style of BBQ was not just about the delicious food; it was also about the lessons I learned from my father on how to do it right. My family and friends, particularly those in the Haliwa-Saponi community, reinforced these lessons with their own insights and traditions.
I began cooking BBQ during my college years at UNC Chapel Hill, where I took what I had learned and shared it with others. Today, Silver's NC BBQ continues to honor those family traditions, bringing the same sweet, tangy flavors and time-honored cooking methods from Eastern North Carolina to Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Formal and Informal Foundations
While Silver’s North Carolina BBQ officially opened its doors on April 25, 2024, the journey began much earlier. In 1994, I had the honor of living in Talihina, Oklahoma, with the people of the Choctaw Nation. Their resilience, warmth, and community spirit were deeply inspiring to me. As an indigenous person myself, I saw in them a reflection of my own Haliwa-Saponi heritage. It felt like I was among neighbors from just across the field back in Hollister.
My parents instilled in me a deep respect for our cultural heritage and culinary traditions. My father, who passed away in 2001, left me with a treasure trove of BBQ wisdom that I now share with the world.
First Steps and Challenges
The menu at Silver’s North Carolina BBQ features dishes that hold a special place in my heart, particularly those enjoyed during our annual Haliwa-Saponi Pow Wow. My father always took charge of the BBQ, and those flavors have become synonymous with family, tradition, and community for me.
A Promising Start and Future Plans
Although we have only been open for a short time, our impact on the local eatery scene has been overwhelmingly positive. If Silver’s North Carolina BBQ proves to be successful, it will lay the groundwork for a larger venture: a barn restaurant venue at Silver Farms, LLC, in Mulberry, AR where we will continue to serve healthy farm to table food.
A Legacy Continued
“Mecoure’ me Chen Kihoe”—“You Are Welcome Here.” This phrase embodies the spirit of Silver’s North Carolina BBQ. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the community, the heritage, and the legacy of my father. Through this business, I aim to honor his memory and the rich traditions of the Haliwa-Saponi people, sharing our unique BBQ style with everyone who walks through our doors.
