Rodney Scott shifts to pop-up events, has no plans to stop cooking

James Beard Award-winning pitmaster Rodney Scott is proving that a temporary setback won't keep him away from the grill. Just one month after his restaurant chain shuttered its doors, the acclaimed chef returned to his roots last week, firing up his smoker for a crowd in his home state of South Carolina.

Back to the Pit

As reported by WCIV in Charleston, S.C., Scott hosted a live pop-up barbecue event this past Friday. The event serves as a clear signal to fans that while his brick-and-mortar locations are currently off-line, his dedication to the craft remains as strong as ever.

The Landscape of the Closures

The transition to pop-ups follows the sudden closure of Scott’s chain last month, which included the prominent Charleston flagship location. These closures were part of a broader contraction within the Pihakis Restaurant Group, which has been navigating significant financial headwinds.

Scott, who honed his skills at his family's restaurant in Hemingway, S.C., famously partnered with Birmingham restaurateur Nick Pihakis to expand his reach. That partnership brought the brand to the Magic City in 2019, with the initial Birmingham location opening at 3719 Third Ave. South in Avondale, replacing the former Saigon Noodle House and Bottletree Cafe. Two additional Birmingham-area locations eventually joined the fold through the partnership with Pihakis.

Legal and Financial Hurdles

The restaurant group currently faces a turbulent financial period, with lawsuits and liens exceeding $14.7 million since April. Among the legal challenges is a $350,000 loan lawsuit tied specifically to the South Carolina operations.

What's Next

In an interview with the Post and Courier, Scott expressed that he was both “surprised and disappointed” by the rapid closures. Despite the frustration, he remains optimistic about a potential revival, noting that re-establishing the Charleston location is his primary goal.

For now, fans can catch the chef at his next pop-up event on June 12 at The Bus Shed in Charleston. Offering a preview of what’s to come, Scott told attendees, “Well, I will say this ... buckle up, you’re in for a treat.”