ROCKY MOUNT, Va. (WFXR) — Known for its “Banging Baked Beans,” wings, and pulled pork, “Buddy’s BBQ” is stepping into a new light.

The award-winning restaurant announced on June 3rd, that the restaurant name will now be “Rocky Mount Smokehouse.” The name change came after a trademark claim was made by “Buddy’s B-B-Q,” a corporate-based franchise headquarters in Tennessee.

That’s when restaurant Owner and Founder, Allen “Buddy” Hancock stepped into action.

“Of course, changing the name is a difficult process, but we have always received overwhelming support from the community,” said Hancock. “From day one, our customers have become like friends and family. We couldn’t make it without their support, so we thought it would be fitting to let them choose the new name.”  

From May 23 through June 2, the restaurant conducted a poll with the name choices “Rocky Mount Smokehouse,” “Pigg River BBQ,” “Blackwater BBQ,” “Get Sauced,” “Moonshiner’s BBQ,” “Crooked Road BBQ,” and “Back Porch BBQ.”

Ballots were placed throughout the community and a digital poll was conducted on social media. After more than 10 days, votes were in and the community chose “Rocky Mount Smokehouse.”

Hancock first opened his restaurant in 2017 and has been at the Rocky Mount location since July 2021. The restaurant offers a North Carolina-style barbeque with a twist of Franklin County moonshine. Along with its homemade sauces, the “Rocky Mount Smokehouse” also has a food truck.

I want to thank the community for your endless support! You are the reason we are here!

-said the restaurant in a Facebook post.

For more information about “Rocky Mount Smokehouse,” visit their website, or Facebook page.