The Pik-n-Pig restaurant in Carthage was destroyed by fire early Sunday morning. Reportedly, a resident of the RV park saw the fire and called 911 around 4 a.m.

Carthage Fire Chief Brian Tyner said when they arrived on the scene, 75% of the structure was on fire with smoke and flames showing. No one was injured in the fire.

As part of the two-alarm response, numerous fire departments from around the county converged on the scene to battle the blaze.

Carthage Fire Department’s ladder truck could be seen on the runway with its ladder extending over the scene spraying the fire from above in an aerial assault. The heaviest of the fire appeared to be from the kitchen side, near the smokers.

As the blaze continued, more units were paged for additional manpower. Numerous fire trucks were lined up on the runway, along with an air truck from Seven Lakes Fire & Rescue to refill the air tanks used by the firefighters.

As dawn broke over the Pik-n-Pig, the devastating damage to the restaurant became clearer. Firefighters could be seen with hoses walking through what remained of the structure and spraying down hot spots. Smoke was still drifting from some areas of the charred remains.

The restaurant sent out a message on its website and social media page to its patrons a few hours after the blaze broke out.

“Unfortunately, we have experienced an extreme tragedy here at the Pik N Pig. There has been a massive fire. Nobody was hurt. There is extensive damage to our beautiful place. We will be closed until further notice. Very sorry for any inconvenience. So sorry about any orders that have already been placed. Please keep us in your prayers. Our hearts are broken.”

The Pik-n-Pig is locally owned and operated by Janie Sheppard and her son, Ashley Sheppard.

The beloved barbecue restaurant, located on Gilliam McConnell Road, was selected by The Travel Channel for an episode of its show “Food Paradise” in 2018.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by Pinehurst Barbecue Festival.

The North Carolina State Fire Marshal was on the scene, along with local fire marshals and law enforcement. They are investigating the cause of the fire.

Aerial feature photo by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter/Photographer Patrick Priest.
~Article and live video of first responders working the fire by Sandhills Sentinel Publisher B.J. Goodridge.