Business Beat: It's not over when the fat pig sings

The Singing Pig BBQ

WILLIAMS - Being a pig is rarely allowed at the dinner table, but at Williams' newest eating establishment, it's encouraged. Sticky fingers and all.

Co-owned by Kathi Calahan and Kevin Manley, The Singing Pig serves up delicious treats of the barbecue persuasion. Hungry souls can find everything from loaded hot dogs to sloppy Angus burgers at the restaurant's 437 W. Route 66 location, across the street from the Police Department.

"Kevin is our cook, he's my other half and the best cook I know. When we first started to open, we were going to do a sandwich shop of some kind, but when he started barbecuing meat, people started requesting it," Calahan said. "So we adjusted the menu according to what the community wanted, and they wanted barbecue."

Manley's adage is simple. Every time meat slaps down on his grill, he's not cooking for strangers, he's cooking for family.

"The thing is, I serve food that I like and that I would serve to my friends and family, he said. "How could you go wrong?"

After an unsuccessful retirement attempt, Manley happily returned to workplace to do what he loved best, cooking.

"Retirement was awful, a man's got to do something," he said.

The Singing Pig offers locals weekly specials, a weekly business card drawing for a free lunch and a 'I dig the pig' club. Residents can pick up a card at the restaurant and have it stamped each time they order. Five stamps earn a free deep-fried Twinkie or Snickers, and a free Angus burger equals 10 stamps. Calahan said she hopes incentives like these show how important Williams residents are to them.

"We love the locals, and we love the word of mouth that they have provided for us," she said.

If customers are feeling extra competitive, Calahan offers an eating challenge that so far, has only been taken on by one local. His picture is hung inside the restaurant for potential challengers to see.

"Amir from the Mustang Gas station has been the only one to eat our triple XXX Angus burger and he did it in 18 minutes." Calahan said. "So he has thrown down the gauntlet asking others to challenge his record."

As spring approaches, make certain to bring your appetite and enjoy The Singing Pig's indoor and outdoor seating options. Special outdoor barbecues happen Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights and occasionally throughout the week. The restaurant's hours are 11 a.m. to closing.

For information on the restaurant's specials and other information visit www.facebook.com/thesingingpigbbq, and www.thesingingpigroute66.com .