Welcome Home Marlene and Jamie Harrelson

By Wendy Nilsen Pollitzer

Dukes Barbeque returns to Salem Road Location

For many of us in Beaufort, 2009 was a depressing year. Besides the economy being at its most pitiful level, we lost our favorite BBQ joint. Dukes Barbeque was the biggest deal in town.

It was the place where stay-at-home moms caught up on the week with their hungry toddlers and girlfriends and businessmen shook hands over verbal contracts. It was the favorite lunch and dinner spot among locals, where you could fit all you could eat into your belly and still go back for more, simply because it was THAT good. And then, sadly, it was gone, after 23 years in Beaufort.

Well, get your appetites back into ‘piggin’ out’ shape, Beaufort. Dukes Barbeque is back, and thankfully not bigger or better than before. It’s returning to town just like it was…just the way we all liked it. Same décor, same food, even most of the same staff.

Beginning Thursday, August 1st, owners Marlene and Jamie Harrelson will be welcoming diners every Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. with their coveted buffet, serving authentic, pit-cooked BBQ, fresh vegetables and homemade desserts, all prepared on site at their familiar Salem Road location across from Regions Bank off Robert Smalls Parkway.

After four years in Blackville to run another Dukes establishment, Marlene and Jamie Harrelson heard the request from many Beaufortonians to come home; and since they owned the building at 1509 Salem Road, they thought it time to bring their BBQ back across the Whale Branch.

“We missed Beaufort, so we decided to come home,” explained Marlene Harrelson. But this time around, the Harrelson’s are taking Saturdays off.

“We have grandkids now, and we want to enjoy the family,”
smiles Marlene.

Fair enough. We’re just glad you’re back in business. Welcome Home Dukes Barbeque from one of your most loyal customers.