Kentucky BBQ joint remains open to serve truckers — in spite of COVID-19 order

A Kentucky restaurant owner is keeping her dining room open in spite of COVID-19 restrictions in the state because she believes that truckers need a place to sit down and have a meal.

On November 18, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear issued an Executive Order requiring all restaurants in the state to close to indoor dining through December 13 in hopes of slowing the spread of COVID-19.

In spite of the order, the owners of a BBQ restaurant located off of I-71 in Sparta say they will remain open to serve their truck driver clientele in their indoor dining room.

Hog Wild Pig Crazy Barbeque co-owner Jane Searcy told local news outlet WKRC that she will remain open to indoor dining until she receives a court order. “They’re going to be the ones that make or break this nation. If they decide to shut down, then we’re in big trouble,” Searcy said, referring to her truck driver customers.

State officials have issued an notice requiring Hog Wild Pig Crazy Barbeque to close in compliance with the Executive Order.

Local law enforcement officials say that they will not act to enforce the COVID-19 order without a court order.

Searcy went on to clarify her decision to keep the dining room open (or serve customers via takeout) in a Facebook post:

I have heard we’re all in this together so often for the last few months and after careful consideration, we at Hog Wild Pig Crazy BBQ have decided to adhere to that sentiment and we will continue to keep our patrons’ safety in mind and give our customers a choice to eat in our quaint little dining room that so many love and feel at home. Or you can take out or we will cater so you can enjoy our famous BarBQ. We believe in our freedoms and we believe just as others have a right to choose, we also want to give our customers the right to choose to eat in or take out and do whatever you feel comfortable with. This is the very reason our great Veterans choose to fight for our freedoms. We will do our part as well, so bring your friends and family and come on over and let’s continue to be in this all together and enjoy a great family feast of BBQ with all the fixings. We’re open Monday-Friday 10:30am-8pm. Hope to see you soon! Owners Bob & Jane Searcy (United we Stand)

CDLLife has reached out to Searcy for further comment.