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Jolly Rogers Woodfired BBQ

Family’s Labor of Love

Just outside the quaint town of Pacolet, South Carolina, a savory aroma fills the air—a sign that Jolly Rogers Woodfired BBQ is open for business.

Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Josh and Jennifer Rogers, this new establishment has quickly become a local favorite since its opening in May 2024. As originally reported in the Post and Courier Spartanburg, Josh, a former firefighter, transitioned into barbecue after years of practice during firehouse competitions.

The family-run restaurant emphasizes wood-fired cooking for unmatched flavor, a key point noted in WSPA 7 News’ Zip Trips segment, where Josh discussed the unique taste derived from different woods like cherry and oak.

Out of the Flames, Into the Fire

Josh Rogers is a self-taught pitmaster with a background as a firefighter and pest control worker. His journey into barbecue began at the Gaffney Fire Department, where he was inspired by colleagues who participated in BBQ competitions.

The name “Jolly Rogers” harkens back to Josh’s days in the fire service, where his cheerful demeanor earned him the nickname, a tidbit he shared with Post and Courier Spartanburg. It perfectly encapsulates the welcoming and jovial atmosphere they strive to create.

As Josh recounted to Post and Courier Spartanburg, “I caught the bug from there and went wild with it.” After two decades of honing his skills, he decided to turn his passion into a full-time endeavor with his wife Jennifer, a former respiratory therapist who also sought a career change after the pandemic.

Nothing But Woodfired Cooking

At Jolly Rogers, authenticity is key. As Josh told WSPA 7 News, the restaurant operates without ovens or fryers; instead, everything is cooked over a wood fire using local woods like pecan, hickory, cherry, and oak.

“Wood-fired—you can’t really duplicate that flavor,” Josh explained in the interview, adding that changing the wood type allows for different flavors to infuse the meats.

A Menu Rooted in Tradition

If you’re deciding whether to visit Jolly Rogers Woodfired BBQ, here’s a breakdown of the menu to help you make the choice.

Signature Sandwiches and Plates:

For barbecue lovers, the Pulled Pork Sammich ($8) offers tender, wood-smoked pork, while the Brisket Sammich ($15) is a heartier option for those who enjoy rich, slow-cooked beef. Each sandwich can be paired with two Southern sides for an additional $5, making for a complete meal. The Wild Hog sandwich ($8), featuring smoked bologna, onions, mustard, chili, cheese, and slaw, is a standout option for those looking for something unique and loaded with flavor.

Plates like the Pulled Pork Plate ($15) and the Brisket Plate ($22) come with two sides, offering a balanced and filling meal. BBQ enthusiasts will also appreciate the variety of ribs, with half and full rack options available.

Smoked Meats and A La Carte Options:

Jolly Rogers specializes in wood-fired meats, including smoked chicken halves ($15) and spare ribs (half rack $15, full rack $25). For those looking to take BBQ home, the restaurant offers pulled pork, brisket, and ribs by the pint, perfect for group meals or catering.

Sides:

The sides are a perfect complement to the smoked meats, with options such as baked beans, BBQ slaw, red-skinned potato salad, and corn. For a lighter option, you can substitute a small salad ($4) or upgrade to a smoked tater ($5).

If you’re looking for something lighter, their Big Salad ($10) offers fresh ingredients with a smoky BBQ twist. You can even add brisket for $5. The Smoked Tater ($8) comes loaded with butter, sour cream, and cheese, with the option to add brisket for a savory upgrade.

Desserts and Drinks:

No BBQ experience is complete without a sweet finish, and Nanner Puddin ($4) is a Southern favorite that ensures your meal ends on a high note. For drinks, Jolly Rogers offers traditional Southern beverages like sweet tea, along with more modern options like cold brew and lattes, making it a great spot for coffee lovers too.

A Menu for True Cue Fans:

This menu is ideal for BBQ aficionados seeking authentic, wood-fired meats, along with sides that capture the essence of Southern comfort food. With the variety of sandwiches, plates, and smoked meats, there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer pork, brisket, or ribs. The house-made sauces, including a unique blueberry BBQ sauce for the ribs, make this a must-try for those who appreciate creative flavors in their BBQ.

For families, the kids’ options like the Plain Hot Dog with Chips ($4) offer a simple, satisfying meal. Health-conscious diners will appreciate the fresh salads, while indulgent eaters will love the loaded taters and house-made desserts.

If you enjoy genuine, wood-smoked barbecue with a local, community-driven feel, Jolly Rogers BBQ is a fantastic spot to satisfy your cravings. With affordable prices, generous portions, and a range of options, it’s a place where Southern tradition meets personal touch.

Community-Centered and Family-Run

Located in a rural area, the restaurant embraces its small-town roots.

“This is our home out here. It’s good to really bring something to your home base and help your neighbors out,” Josh shared in Post and Courier Spartanburg. The team is tight-knit, even including an employee Josh has known since childhood, which he humorously mentioned during his interview with WSPA 7 News saying, “Even the employee we have working at the front is someone I’ve known since kindergarten!”

Looking Ahead

Currently open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Josh and Jennifer plan to expand their hours and potentially add breakfast and coffee options, a suggestion Jennifer made because of limited local coffee spots, according to WSPA 7 News. Catering services are also available for those who want to bring the Jolly Rogers experience to their events.

Whether you’re a Pacolet local or just passing through, Jolly Rogers BBQ offers a genuine taste of woodfired Southern barbecue crafted with love and dedication. From the tender meats to the homemade sides and desserts, every item on the menu tells a story of passion and commitment to quality.

What Folks Are Saying

Google Review

Among the many Google Reviews, Local Guide David Roberts took up the whole parking lot and enjoyed every bite:

On Aug. 16th while driving past Jolly Rogers BBQ, “hungry as a hostage” I stopped and parked my 18-wheeler on their small parking lot to grab a bite to eat. I ordered half a slab of ribs and half a smoked chicken. Listen y’all, the ribs were smoked to perfection with a sauce complementary of their smoked flavor.

The chicken enjoyed the same smoked flavor as well, only the chicken came with a mustard sauce that gave the chicken the type of compliment I’m too shy to say in this message. Just know, the whole kit and kaboodle was worth every bite; so much so, the owner had to come out and tell me to move my truck as it was blocking his customers who already knew what to expect.

So, to everyone reading this, Give Jolly Rogers your best appetite. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

Facebook Review

Over on Jolly Roger’s Facebook page, Jason Mater Robinson has found a new hometown treasure:

As soon as get out, you smell the wood smoke; it’s intoxicating I tell you. I suggest the brisket, but everything is good. I went for my birthday one Saturday and it was best food had in a while. Quietly placed right outside of my hometown of Pacolet. It’s a treasure and the best service around. Go now and see for yourself.

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Hours of Operation

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday	11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday	11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday	Closed