Port Royal barbecue restaurant moving to Beaufort

McPhearson's Serious Barbeque closed its doors Friday after almost four years in Port Royal, leaving customers sad to see it go and Mayor Samuel Murray hoping that whatever comes next will be as neighborhood-friendly.

Owners Kathi Krill and Bob Huffman said a dispute with landlord Edward Macho about maintenance issues, including a broken heater and air conditioner, caused them to leave the building at the corner of Paris Avenue and 11th Street.

Macho, who leases the building, declined to comment about the dispute.

Krill and Huffman said they plan to reopen in downtown Beaufort, where they hope better visibility will attract more customers.

"We'll miss the neighborhood and ambiance, but it's good we're being forced to make some changes," Krill said. "It's for the better."

Before McPhearson's, the building housed a pub that "caused some problems," including repeated noise

disturbances, Murray said.

Murray -- who said he counted on McPhearson's for all of his barbecue ribs -- said he would like to see

another restaurant move into the spot.

"We were so glad when the barbecue place came in," Murray said. "It's important that the right kind of business come next. It's a neighborhood, and I would not like to see a pub move into the spot."

The building is divided and also holds law offices. Potential tenants are interested in subletting the restaurant space, Macho said, and he hopes another business will move in soon.

The space could be converted to additional offices if necessary, Macho said.

McPhearson's likely will reopen on Carteret or Boundary streets, Huffman said, forcing some loyal Port Royal customers to travel a little farther for their barbecue fix.

Jennifer Sweitzer, 57, of Port Royal walked into McPhearson's on Friday and sat down for her usual -- a smoked chicken sandwich and french fries.

Sweitzer, who works at the vision center at Walmart, said she visits McPhearson's two or three times a week during her lunch break.

That will probably change if the business moves to Beaufort, she said, but she'll still eat there on her days off.

"The people who work here are just so nice and personable, and the food is delicious," Sweitzer said. "I had to come get my fix before they packed up."