Tradition lives on at Hamilton’s
Looking back 15 years, Norman Hamilton is shown here working at the pit back in 2010.
By Greg Wells
CCN–Editor
From the pit to the porch, and all between, Mike and Patrick Heist are the new owners of a Burkesville landmark, Hamilton’s B-B-Q.
Norman Hamilton said it was time to spend more time at home with his wife Pat.
He said he still goes down to visit his old restaurant.
“Norman comes in still and always will be welcome,” said Patrick.
Patrick Heist, along with his brother Mike, are the new owners of Hamilton’s B-B-Q. He was a part owner of a Danville distillery, and has now joined his brother, a chef, in running the restaurant.
“I really enjoy being down there and seeing everybody,” Norman said.
Norman and Patricia’s daughter Chastity Hamilton is working the pit right now, during the reduced winter hours.
“She does a great job,” Patrick said.
Mike also said, “she’s a tornado back there.”
Patrick explained their attachment to the restaurant, “in 1978 we moved to Cumberland County and the first place we ate was Hamilton’s.”
Mike, who is a trained professional chef, said he had been after the barbecue sauce recipe for well over 20 years, but when the chance arose to have the whole restaurant the two brothers couldn’t pass it up.
Mike Heist manned the pit late last week, while his brother Pat is out of town. But Hamilton’s veteran Chastity Hamilton is serving as lead pitmaster, maintaining continuity.
“We’re proud to be a part of it and especially proud to make sure it carries on,” Patrick said.
Chasity said she enjoys cooking in the pit and has been doing it since she graduated high school.
Norman added, “I think she probably knows much about it as I do.”
Mike, Patrick, and Chasity all stressed how much everyone simply expects Norman to be behind the counter, and how happy they are to see him whenever he comes around.
Health issues have meant that Patricia hasn’t been able to come in to work at Hamilton’s for some time now. She’s home from the hospital full time now, and Norman said it’s good to be with her more now.
“After 45 years I’m tired,” Norman added.
He laughed as he spoke about the restaurant and especially the special relationship he maintained through those 45 years with his customers.
As to what’s coming for the restaurant Mike and Patrick said the first order of business will be replacing all the plumbing, and some electrical work.
After that, they said improvements to the seating area to go along with the new bathrooms and improvements to the heating and air conditioning are planned.
“We want to beef-up the experience of those who want to come and dine in,” Patrick explained.
For the time being, Thursday, Friday and Saturday are their days of operation, for lunch and early dinner, take-out only.
From as far back as I can remember this barbecue place was right down from my house I went to school with chastity we were both in the same grade so I got this barbecue not only when my mom would purchase it but also on the weekends when they were closed for the evening and brought it home and luckily I was there spending the night with Chastity to eat it for free lol. This was always the best barbecue and no matter where I’ve been in my entire 48 years of existence nothing has ever compared to this barbecue. Pat’s potato salad vinegar slaw and baked beans nobody will ever come close as far as I’m concerned the Hamiltons are my other family sorry to hear that Pat is fell ill, but glad to know that Norman’s going to be home with her and have total faith in Chastity back there cooking cuz she is the bomb. Her spunky attitude her beautiful smile she’s what brings that extra to the restaurant so don’t get rid of her whatever you do cuz you’ll be taking a lot of your business away. Chas is a gem for sure. Much love to the Hamiltons.