Welcome to McGhin’s Southern Pit Bar-B-Que

“We Treat Our Customers Like Family”

McGhin’s Southern Pit Bar-B-Que is one of the most popular barbeque restaurants in the Southeast. Our business was opened in 1984 by Fred and Brenda McGhin in a small house in Sunnyside, GA. Due to phenomenal growth, Southern Pit moved to larger quarters in Griffin, GA in 1990 where it still resides today.

We Treat Our Customers Like Family:

In addition to great-tasting, slow-smoked BBQ and all the fixins, another cornerstone of McGhin’s Southern Pit Bar-B-Que’s popularity is our genuinely friendly approach to service. We know how to treat our customers so that you feel you are part of our family. The combination of Southern Pit’s award-winning food, our cordial service, and our reasonable prices turn first-time customers into customers for life.

We also attribute ours over two decades of success to our deep commitment to family and to the community we serve. We are a family-owned and -operated business. Our atmosphere is family-friendly. From our cozy décor to the signature electric train that makes its way through our dining room, the restaurant has a warm, comfortable, at-home feeling. Our goal is not just to prepare and serve great BBQ; we also seek to honor and glorify God in all that we do. Southern Pit is open four days a week, Wednesday through Saturday and never on Sunday, giving the owners and “crew” time off to spend with their families.

Carrying On The Legacy:

Southern Pit Bar-B-Que is more than a restaurant—it’s a story of faith, family, and the love of good food. It all began in 1984 when Fred and Brenda McGhin opened the doors to a humble “little white house” in Sunnyside, Georgia. Through unwavering faith in the Lord, tireless dedication, and a true passion for serving others, they built a place where people felt at home from the moment they walked in.

For Sean Gregory, Southern Pit has always been more than just a place to eat. As a 10-year-old boy, he lived just across the train tracks and would save up his money to ride his bicycle over for a meal. On one of his first visits, he ordered a cheeseburger, but Mr. Fred—never missing a chance for a little wisdom and humor—sent out a pork sandwich with slaw and cheese instead. That simple moment sparked a lifelong bond, and to this day, that’s exactly how Sean makes his own sandwich. Over the years, Sean and Mr. Fred became inseparable, sharing a love of hunting, fishing, and restoring old cars. “He’s like family—like my grandson,” Mr. Fred would say. “And we’re so incredibly proud of what he’s done here.”

In June 2022, Sean and his wife, Deanna, became the proud owners of Southern Pit, carrying on the legacy that Fred and Brenda built. Though they’ve made small updates to streamline operations, the heart of Southern Pit remains the same. “We still do things the way Fred and Brenda did over 40 years ago,” they say. The same slow-smoked BBQ, the same time-honored recipes, and the same warmth that makes every guest feel like they belong. Sean and Deanna are dedicated to making sure every guest feels like they’ve stepped into a place where they are known, valued, and welcomed with open arms.

“We pride ourselves on providing the best service and an even better meal,” Sean and Deanna say. “Because at Southern Pit, you’re more than a guest—you’re family.”

And family is everything. You may even see Sean and Deanna’s own children helping out from time to time, learning the same values of hard work and hospitality that have made Southern Pit what it is today. So next time you visit, be sure to say hello—they’d love to meet you, hear your stories, and welcome you into the Southern Pit family.