Fork Grove Barbecue
Fork Grove Barbecue: A Love Story of Smoke and Passion
“Let me start by saying thank you. Thank you to all of the people who have encouraged us, supported us, and have been positive influences in this dream!”
These are the heartfelt words of Dylan Cooke, the mastermind behind Fork Grove Barbecue, a rising star in the South Carolina barbecue scene.
The Early Years
Born and raised in South Carolina, Dylan’s journey into the world of barbecue began at the tender age of 15. His best friend’s family owned and operated a Saturday-only barbecue joint named Saddlers Creek BBQ.
It was here, amidst the smoky aroma of slow-cooked meats, that Dylan discovered his passion for barbecue.
A Crossroads and a New Beginning
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Years later, Dylan found himself at a crossroads. He had pursued a career in music, traveling across states as a country music guitarist. But when his wife, Tiffani, gifted him a Big Green Egg grill in 2017, the embers of his love for barbecue were rekindled.
The birth of their first child and the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 brought Dylan’s music career to a halt.
But every cloud has a silver lining. For Dylan and Tiffani, it was the opportunity to offer home-cooked barbecue and fixings to a community craving restaurant-style food.
The Birth of Fork Grove Barbecue
With a few social media posts and the support of friends and family, what started as a backyard venture quickly turned into a substantial opportunity. Here’s how Dylan and Tiffani first introduced themselves to their hometown community in Anderson back in May 2020:
Our name explains it all! With everything going on around us, it resembles a “Fork” in the road of our lives. Making decisions to chase a dream or, sit back and always wonder. The word “Grove” has a symbolic meaning (green grove) meaning life will change for the better!
It hit us where it means something so we picked it! We have prayed and worked very hard to begin this journey, and thank each one of you deeply for following along and supporting us! Stay tuned, the best is yet to come!
With that, Fork Grove Barbecue was born, serving up mouthwatering, slow-smoked meats and soulful fixings from their custom-built, all-wood fire smokers.
Inspired by Texas, Loved by South Carolina
Inspired by Aaron Franklin of Austin, TX, Dylan and Tiffani strive to stay true to the central Texas barbecue culture. Their menu boasts a variety of smoked meats, including pulled pork, pork ribs, beef ribs, brisket, and turkey.
A Menu That Tells a Story
At Fork Grove Barbecue, the menu is more than just a list of dishes. It’s a culinary journey that takes you through the heart of Texas barbecue culture, right here in South Carolina. Every item on the menu is carefully crafted, with each ingredient chosen to create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
The Meats: Slow-Smoked to Perfection
The star of the show at Fork Grove Barbecue is undoubtedly the slow-smoked meats. From pulled pork and pork ribs to beef ribs, brisket, and turkey, each meat is smoked to perfection over a wood fire.
The result is a tender, juicy, and flavorful bite that melts in your mouth. The pork ribs and beef ribs, glazed to perfection, are a crowd favorite. The brisket, slow-smoked and sliced or chopped to order, is a testament to Dylan’s dedication to the craft.
The Fixings: Soulful Companions to the Meats
But what’s a barbecue without the fixings? At Fork Grove Barbecue, the fixings are as soulful as the meats they accompany. Whether it’s a side of coleslaw, a helping of baked beans, or a serving of their homemade potato salad, each side dish is made with the same love and care as the meats. And for those with a sweet tooth, the peach and apple sauces are a must-try.
A Glaze That Steals the Show
One of the standout items on the menu is the glaze for the ribs and burnt ends. This sweet and tangy concoction is a secret recipe, adding an extra layer of flavor that elevates the meats to new heights. It’s the kind of sauce that has you licking your fingers and reaching for more.
A Menu for Everyone
And let’s not forget about the vegetarian options. At Fork Grove Barbecue, everyone is welcome. Their selection of sides ensures that even those following a meat-free diet can enjoy a satisfying meal at the restaurant.
In the end, the menu at Fork Grove Barbecue is a reflection of Dylan and Tiffani’s passion for barbecue. It’s a menu that tells a story, a story of love, dedication, and a dream that turned into a reality.
A Community of Support
But it’s not just about the food at Fork Grove Barbecue. It’s about the people, the community, and the love that goes into every dish.
“Bryan Latham, you are the silver lining and blessing to our small family business! Thank you for believing in us and the willingness to put this train on the tracks!” Dylan exclaims, expressing his gratitude to those who have supported their journey.
A Destination in the Making
Dylan’s dream is to create a destination in his community where people can enjoy barbecue made with passion. “We look forward to creating a destination in our community and can’t wait to serve you barbecue made with passion! Here’s to the wonder years!” he says.
A Final Word
Fork Grove Barbecue is more than just a restaurant. It’s a testament to the power of dreams, the strength of community, and the enduring allure of good food. It’s a place where every bite tells a story of love, passion, and dedication. So, if you find yourself in Anderson, SC, and your stomach is rumbling for some authentic, slow-smoked barbecue, remember the name – Fork Grove Barbecue. You won’t be disappointed.
What Folks Are Saying about Fork Grove Barbecue
Google Review
Among the many Google Reviews, we learn that Toby Humphries’ is going to have to set a new high bar for BBQ after eating at Fork Grove BBQ:
I take BBQ very seriously and have a high standard when it comes to the pit. Fork Grove exceeded my expectations!
We ordered the BBQ pork, Sliced Turkey and Brisket. All the meats were excellent! Great flavors and equally great portions for the price.
We had sweet potato crunch and it was 🔥. I loved the street corn, and my wife said the potato salad was great!
Our compliments to the pit master and his staff! It’s about time we had a high-quality BBQ restaurant in Anderson! #smoked-meat #BBQ
TripAdvisor Review
Over on TripAdvisor, a reviewer by the handle Metal_reign left a review on the location’s former restaurant’s listing when he got there to find Fork Grove BBQ was now in business:
Y’all, this ain’t Sadlers no more thankfully!! Welcome FORK GROVE BBQ!!
Went for some BBQ today, having no idea it was under new ownership…again. Had heard good and bad things before (about Sadler’s), but not too many places to get brisket in Anderson. Was trying to google me u before arriving to get an idea of what to order to go, and saw a different name – Fork Grove BBQ.
Place didn’t look real busy when my husband and I arrived and we almost didn’t go in, but decided to go see if they were open for business. Boy, I am sooo glad we didn’t leave!
They are banging out some of the best damn BBQ I have ever had!! Omg!! Completely new owners, completely new delicious menu!!
BBQ only and some fixins. Don’t go expecting something frozen to be thrown on the griddle. This is legit!!
They aren’t open for sit-down service yet….remodeling the place I believe, but they offer to-go orders – plates and family meals. (Editor’s Note: “sit-down service” now available.)
Don’t deny yourself this experience if you love some real pit-smoked BBQ. We already decided this is going to be a regular stop for us now, hope at least twice a week or more!
Interview with Dylan Cooke
Kevin Kelly, on his Kevin’s BBQ Joints YouTube channel, sat down for this interview with Cooke. We thought you might enjoy it as much as we did:
Menu for Fork Grove Barbecue
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant for the most up-to-date information.
Location, Hours, Contact Info, and More
Map
Directions
Contact Fork Grove Barbecue
Anderson, SC 29626
Hours of Operation
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday | Closed |
Features
Cards and Cash, Light Tomato Sauce, Mustard Sauce