Big D’s Bar-B-Que likely won’t rebuild in Myrtle Beach after fire

Horry County police charged one person with arson in connection to a suspicious fire at Big D’s Bar-B-Que, which an owner says won’t be rebuilt after 33 years in business off George Bishop Parkway.

“We don’t have the means to rebuild,” said Kay Davis, wife of Big D’s owner Russell Davis. “We would love to...We just had enough insurance to cover the loan. You never dream you are going to have a fire.”

The Nov. 18 fire resulted in a total loss of the popular eatery off George Bishop Parkway.

Horry County Fire Rescue responded after an Horry County police officer spotted flames and smoke at 2:30 a.m. and called it in, according to police reports. Christopher L. Bryant, 47, of Andrews has been charged with arson in the third degree and burglary in connection to the fire.

Kay Davis said she doesn’t know Bryant. “We had never laid eyes on this gentleman,” she said.

Big D’s has been a local’s favorite, renowned for its buffet, barbecue and fried chicken. The other location -- Big D’s BBQ Trough that opened about 2 1/2 years ago -- will continue to operate at 2917 Church St. in Conway.

The owners are still trying to process what’s next, with Kay Davis calling the fire a “senseless act.”

“Our customers have been great and continue to support us and that’s what is is going to take,” she said.

This story was originally published November 26, 2015 at 7:15 PM with the headline "Big D’s Bar-B-Que likely won’t rebuild in Myrtle Beach after fire."