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Working upwards of 80 hours a week makes it hard for a father to have quality time for his children.
Brandon Chavers, who was working as a traveling welder, began praying that God would give him an opportunity to have more time with his children and be a part of their lives. That prayer was answered last fall at a trip to the barber.
“I had been praying that God would let me find a job at home because I was tired of being gone from my children,” Chaver said. “I was talking to Monte (McGougin) at the barber shop about it and he said he had someone I needed to talk to. Just after he told me about Josh (Godwin) the phone rang and it was Josh calling him. It had to be God.”
That initial conversation lead to a discussion with Godwin and the beginning of what has become a booming business for Chavers and his love of barbecue.
“When I was traveling, I would always cook on my smoker,” Chavers said. “I had a trailer, but I never used the kitchen in there. I would cook for everybody in the camp ground while I was on the road.”
Chavers has turned his life-long work of grilling, smoking and cooking into a business that he says has had a great response from the customers who visit The Hog Bowl.
“I come from a hard work,” Chavers said of his upbrining. “I have cousins Ryan and Ashley Abbott) that are hard workers and do some catering in the Milton area. They have helped me go from cooking for a group of co-workers and friends to being able to turn out food for 100 or 200 people at a time. They have been a blessing.”
The Hog Bowl is proof the love of something can be a blessing in many ways to many people.
“I’ve been here for a few months now (opened in September 2022),” Chavers said. “And I continue to have people come in and tell me how much they like the food. About 98 percent of people say it’s wonderful and the best barbecue they’ve had. Even some older men who’ve been all over and had all kinds of barbecue say it’s good.”
Chavers said as word gets out about his cooking, people from all around are stopping by to try it out.
“I’ve got customers who come in from Evergreen, Castleberry, Flomaton and all around here,” Chavers said. “Most of those folks come back every week, so I guess they like what we have.”
Chavers is keeping his menu simple adding in specials now and then for a change.
The menu consists of pulled pork, ribs, smoked chicken and brisket. Side items are Chavers’ unique “Brandon Baked Beans” along with potato salad, macaroni and cheese and potato chips. If you’re lucky, you may catch the smoked cabbage on the specials board as well.
“I have learned so much already,” Chavers said. “I have plans to collaborate with other businesses in the area to help build up everyone here.”
For those interested in trying out the slow-smoked items at The Hog Bowl, the restaurant is open Thursday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The space is also available for private parties after hours by contacting Chavers. For catering information, contact Chavers with at least 48 hours notice to place an order. You may contact him at the restaurant at 251-286-8286 or for catering information call him at 850-736-9952.