A Charleston native, David was born in 1959 and was immersed in the family barbecue business at the ripe age of 10. After starting at Bessinger’s Barbecue (formerly known as Piggie Park Drive-In), David quickly rose through the ranks, working his way from trash pickup and car side cleaning to making their famous donut-style onion rings and hot fudge sundaes. In 1981, David followed his father to their new family restaurant, Melvin’s Barbecue, and eventually opened its second location on James Island in 1984.

Over the years, David became increasingly more involved in managing the family business. He took Piggy Park from a drive-in, which served primarily burgers and diner-style menu items, to a true barbecue establishment, creating staple menu items like the Texas-style brisket and burnt ends. David discontinued the use of gas-assisted pits and returned to smoking meats over all-wood pits. He also developed new recipes for Melvin’s rubs and sauces, which eventually made their way to the retail world and are now sold in grocery stores and specialty shops across the United States.

After 40+ years in operation, Melvin’s remains one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in Charleston. With David at the helm, Melvin’s continues to serve some of South Carolina’s highest-quality and most authentic mustard-based barbecue.