Organized smoke ring suspected after BBQ restaurant’s stolen pig mascot recovered

Ole Hickory BBQ
Ole Hickory BBQ mascot (Facebook)

The owners of the Ole Hickory BBQ in New Market, Alabama are happier than a pig in slop after the restaurant’s mascot was returned to the property after being stolen last week.

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When the owners noticed the “Pig” was missing, they immediately shared the “devastating” news with friends and fans on Facebook.

“The pig at Ole Hickory BBQ was stolen last night! We are devastated. Please share on your pages. We want it back, no questions asked!!”

The pig has been a fixture at the restaurant long before the current owners took control of the business. They pleaded for the pig’s return on social media.

“Please, please keep your eyes and ears open. We want it back, no questions asked. The kids who visit our place and those who have grown up on Ole Hickory will be devastated, as we are. Let’s find the pig!!”

A day after posting their plea for the mascot’s return, the restaurant’s owners reported good news on social media – the pig was recovered.

“Oh very happy day!! A huge thank you to Greg and Valerie who saw the pig and rescued him. He is home safe and sound!! Perfect ending to 2015!!”

Authorities believe the pig’s disappearance is related to a local organized smoke ring.

See anything wrong with this picture? There was a thief among us. So angry. So upset. Is there anything worse than a thief?

#alabamabbq #findthepig

Posted by Ole Hickory BBQ on Wednesday, December 30, 2015

The owners of the restaurant posted the following message on Facebook following the pig’s return:

We are very thankful to all of you for being so amazingly supportive. When we realized the pig was gone, we were upset and a bit angry. Stealing is just not cool! But through all of your support, we felt community, solidarity and encouragement. You all shared about the pig almost 3000 times! The news stations all took interest. Especially thankful to Molly Mitchell WHNT who did a great story to bring awareness.

To those who took it. I know you thought it would just be a fun prank. You may have ditched it the night you took it or you may have panicked after you realized from all of the attention how outraged people were. But if nothing else, we certainly hope you learned something from this. Stealing is wrong, no matter if it’s a joke or not. Next time you may not encounter people who weren’t going to press charges. Be smart. Make good life choices!

We are thrilled that the pig is back. We need to figure out how to not allow this to happen again (will accept any suggestions or help!) and we look forward to 2016 and all of the new photos of you and your children and grandchildren with the pig!

We are so fortunate and blessed to be a part of this community! Thank you for your support over these many years!!

Happy New Year!!

We are very thankful to all of you for being so amazingly supportive. When we realized the pig was gone, we were upset…

Posted by Ole Hickory BBQ on Friday, January 1, 2016