West Columbia, SC (WLTX) -- You can get some great bar-b-que here in the Midlands, but Hite's Bar-B-Que in West Columbia is one of the best in America according to one publication.
According to David Hite B-B-Q is in his blood, "I have been helping since I was knee-high I guess, me, my brother, and my sister."
Hite is now the manager of the family bar-b-que business that has been serving the Midlands since 1957, but don't look for ketchup based sauce here.
"We strictly do nothing but the mustard, we figured it has worked for fifty-something years so we are going to continue to try," said Hite.
And now the West Columbia landmark is getting national attention by being recognized by Esquire Magazine, even if it was somewhat of a surprise to the Hite family.
"Didn't know anything about it, just got a phone call a couple of days ago and said we were one of the best in the nation, represented South Carolina, so that is a real good thing," Hite said.
Even though Hite's Bar-B-Que has now gained some national fame, according to Hite, the secret to their success is no secret at all.
Hite said, "We try to do it the way it is supposed to be done as far as, nothing but wood, we don't use any gas, no charcoal, everything is done the way it is supposed to be done.">
Now at 36-years old Hite hopes to see the business continue to thrive to the next generation.
"I have been doing it all my life and plan on continuing to do it all my life and then let my daughters and nephews finishing it off," according Hite.
Hite's Bar-B-Que is open only on Fridays between 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
and Saturdays between 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. for take-out only.