Many BBQ lovers around the country acknowledge differences in regional flavors of sauces. However, many devotees may not know the story of how Joseph Bessinger popularized mustard-based barbecue.

It all started in the backwoods of Orangeburg, SC, when 10 year old Melvin was taught how to make the Golden Secret Barbecue sauce his daddy invented. Word spread of Big Joe's barbecue pork, cooked inside a pit dug deep in the ground, and slathered with his secret mustard-based sauce. With encouragement from his wife, Joe traded the family's cow and mule plus $50 for a cafe in nearby Holly Hill. In 1939 the Holly Hill Cafe opened, serving mustard-based barbecue. Due to the Great Depression, the Holly Hill Cafe was only open a short time. After returning from WWII a decorated veteran, Melvin used his Army paychecks to help his father, Big Joe, open a new restaurant in Holly Hill called Eat At Joe's.