Preserving a Legacy: True BBQ's New Chapter
Joseph Evans, born in February 1957 in Georgetown, SC, had a childhood marked by resilience and hard work. After his mother passed away when he was young, Joseph and his siblings were raised by their grandmother, Mrs. She instilled in them the values of diligence and culinary skills that would later define Joseph’s career. As a teenager, Joseph sought s
ummer jobs to support his family, starting with cleaning hotel rooms and doing odd jobs. His early exposure to the working world led him to restaurant kitchens, where he started as a dishwasher and gradually learned the intricacies of frying and grilling. Each summer, he would work at different restaurants across Myrtle Beach, learning from some of the best cooks in the area. Years later, Joseph married Sheila, and together they had four children and five grandchildren, including their granddaughter, True, after whom the restaurant is named. Joseph’s culinary journey led him to various ventures, from a snack shop on Carver Street to Evans Fish Market, where he began cooking barbecue, and later Dot's Crab & Rib Shack. The culmination of his experiences and hard work led to the opening of True BBQ, initially located at 4002 Socastee Boulevard. Known for its slow-cooked ribs, Boston butts, chicken, and beef brisket, True BBQ quickly gained a reputation for its delicious food, thanks to family recipes and homemade sauces. After a devastating fire in May 2017 at their second location on Robert Grissom Parkway, Joseph and Sheila Evans decided to retire. Their eldest daughter, Tanika Thomas, has now taken the helm as the owner and operator of True BBQ, continuing the legacy with the same recipes and taste that customers have come to love. The roadside location is open Thursday to Friday from 11 AM to 5 PM. True BBQ also offers catering for all events, no matter the size, and online ordering for takeout and delivery via their website, http://truebbqmb.com. Keep coming in; there is always something new or different on the menu!
