HISTORY

Founded by Mike Wilson, a North Carolina-born, Johnson & Wales trained chef who staffed the test kitchen for Cooking Light magazine. He began smoking meat and crafting sauces as a hobby and opened Saw’s (an acronym for “Sorry Ass Wilson”) in the former Broadway BBQ location in May 2009.

The menu features Carolina style smoked pulled pork, chicken and ribs, served with one of three styles of sauce. Sides include baked potatoes, beans, deviled eggs, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw and banana pudding.

In 2012, Wilson partnered with Brandon Cain to open a second location of Saw’s, called SAW’s Soul Kitchen, opened in the former Quick & Split Cafe at 215 41st Street South in Avondale. Later that same year, Wilson and Doug Smith partnered with Taylor Hicks to open a third location, known as SAW’s Juke Joint, in Crestline Park.

In 2018, Saw’s BBQ Corporate began franchising the award-winning concept. Shortly thereafter, SAW’s BBQ — Southside opened at the former home of Fat Sam’s Sub Station. In 2021, Saw’s BBQ- Leeds opened at The Backyard at Grand River Outlet Mall. In 2022 Saw’s opened the Hoover, AL location at Riverchase Village, near the corner of 150 and Lorna Road.