Trotter’s Whole Hog BBQ merges the tradition of Southern barbeque with Smoky Mountain heritage. Located in historic downtown Sevierville, Trotter’s and its parent company, Mountain Hospitality Concepts, have been pioneers in the district’s revitalization. Since the restaurant opened in 2022, other businesses followed suit, and the area is blossoming into an entertainment destination.
The food, hospitality, atmosphere, and location make this restaurant in Sevierville a must-visit during your next trip to the Smoky Mountains. It’s time to pig out, Smoky Mountain style! Let’s look at this exciting restaurant in Downtown Sevierville.
Food
The menu at Trotter’s Whole Hog BBQ is a masterpiece from nationally renowned chef David Rule. Diners can also taste Chef Rule’s talent at The Appalachian Restaurant and The Pines Downtown, both in Downtown Sevierville. His ability to deconstruct original dishes and transform them into modern marvels has propelled him into the East Tennessee spotlight, and his work at Trotter’s is no exception.
One of the top restaurants in Sevierville, Trotter’s does barbeque on an elevated level.
Whole hogs, which are sourced locally from Satterfield Family Farms, are smoked slowly. During the process, the hogs are mopped with a house-made sorghum sauce. The restaurant also offers chicken quarters, wings, sausage, bologna, and meatloaf. The result is a one-of-a-kind menu of starters, meats, and sides that will be the talk of your trip.
Standouts From the Menu
Pork Rinds
“I love that they come to the table still crackling.” – Amanda Marr
Burnt Ends
“I didn’t even know they existed until I attended the restaurant’s ribbon-cutting event. Am I glad I ever did!” – Shirl Emmert
Smoked Meatloaf Sandwich
“The smoked meatloaf is a dish I would have usually never ordered, but I couldn’t resist trying it after hearing the buzz around town. Everyone was right! I got one to share with my daughter, but I ate the whole thing.” – Amy Morton
Hospitality
The Southern tradition of hospitality is a hallmark of the Smoky Mountains. Generations of visitors have come to expect a certain level of service, and they will find it at Trotter’s. A friendly team member will make suggestions as you place your order, which is especially helpful for first-time visitors.
To further elevate the dining experience, the restaurant has a tap wall featuring 20 local and regional craft beer taps. The team invites guests to pour their own beer and enjoy some of the area’s top brews. The same thoughtfulness behind the food menu is evident in the selection of taps. Have a question about food and drink pairings? Ask the team for some yummy advice.
Atmosphere
The inviting atmosphere of Trotter’s Whole Hog BBQ begins with the large windows and open-air seating. Guests can dine at bar tops overlooking the downtown street. This seating option allows guests with dogs to bring their pups and sit outside for the dining experience. Inside, the restaurant’s decor and theme complement the brick walls and historic architecture.
The building that houses Trotter’s Whole Hog BBQ was originally the first automobile dealership in the county. Sevier County historian Carroll McMahan filled us in on the history of this building.
In 1914, James Coy Trotter opened the first Ford dealership in Sevierville on the south side of Bruce St. He was the first car dealer to sell automobiles in Sevier County. In 1920, he built a new brick building on the property. Trotter then named the one-story structure J.C. Trotter Motor Company. A newspaper article from the Montgomery Vindicator in October 1929 stated that Trotter had sold 1,500 cars since its opening.
During that time, the Knoxville, Sevierville & Eastern Railway ran down Bruce Street and stopped directly in front of the dealership where the new cars were delivered. Today, replica train tracks installed on the surface of Bruce Street remind us of Sevierville’s past. After the motor company closed, the building was remodeled several times. Numerous businesses called the building home until a major renovation began in 2021 by Compass Development. This is when the historic building became Trotter’s Whole Hog BBQ. The name, Trotter’s, is a nod to the site’s original business and to the foot portion of a pig.
As you dine at Trotter’s, take in the historical vibe that enchants the restaurant.
Location
Trotter’s Whole Hog BBQ is on Bruce Street in Downtown Sevierville. This historic building is just down the street from the Tracks of Time sculpture that features a portion of the original train tracks discovered during Sevierville’s recent streetscape project. Additionally, a portion of the original tracks are on display at the Sevierville Heritage Center, which is within walking distance of Trotter’s. After dining in the historic building, history buffs will enjoy a stroll down Bruce Street to see the sites. Learn more about this history here.
This BBQ restaurant in Sevierville is adjacent to the Downtown Gazebo Parking Lot, which offers free parking. The parking lot is home to the Wings of Wander butterfly mural. See the artwork and other murals on the Sevierville Mural Tour.
Just around the corner, admire the historic Sevier County Courthouse, the famous Dolly Parton statue, and a bevy of historical markers. As part of Sevierville’s ongoing revitalization, Dolly’s hometown has seen a surge of new shops, eateries, and places to stay. Spend an entire day seeing and tasting your way through Downtown Sevierville! Download the Sevierville Historic Walking Tour Map here.
More from Trotter’s Whole Hog BBQ in Sevierville
Trotter’s offers carryout boxes and catering; see the options and the entire menu here. There are many BBQ restaurants in the Smoky Mountains, and each of them offers a unique style and flavor. At Trotter’s Whole Hog BBQ, enjoy a delectable and sticky-sweet culinary experience as you indulge in Smoky Mountain barbeque. The food, ambiance, laid-back atmosphere, and other aspects work together to create an unforgettable meal.
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Authored in Appalachia || Amy Morton
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