The Improper Pig brings its spin on BBQ to Cotswold (PHOTOS)

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The Improper Pig in Charlotte's Cotswold neighborhood offers a twist on traditional barbecue. The menu features favorites such as pulled pork and brisket, but also has nontraditional offerings with an Asian flair such as shrimp tacos or Korean BBQ salmon.

Jennifer Thomas

Staff Writer- Charlotte Business Journal

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This isn't your traditional barbecue joint.

The Improper Pig in Charlotte's Cotswold shopping center puts its own spin on BBQ by introducing an Asian flair.

That means the menu features traditional fare such as pulled pork and brisket as well as Southern egg rolls with sweet potato hash and collard greens and Asian shrimp tacos.

"That's why we call it improper. It's a little bit different," says Will Bigham.

He owns the 3,000-square-foot restaurant with his parents, Hugh and Mary Bigham.

This is the latest in a long line of restaurant ventures for the family. The Bighams started restaurant group Stomp, Chomp and Roll with the goal of developing restaurant concepts.

They are behind The Pizza Peel & Tap Room and local franchises of Flying Biscuit Cafe and Moe's Southwest Grill.

The Improper Pig replaces Mama Fu's in Cotswold — a franchise restaurant the Bighams had operated for about 10 years.

Will Bigham says the family chose to go in a different direction and develop their own concept. The restaurant was revamped with new paint, lighting fixtures and light-toned wood. The Improper Pig — featuring his top hat and monocle — is featured throughout the restaurant.

One thing that stayed? The wok - something not common in other barbecue joints, Bigham says.

"We wanted to play with barbecue," he says. "At the same time, I still wanted to keep the customer base and keep the Asian flavors going." That twist also creates a diverse menu for customers, Bigham says.

Ribs and smoked chicken compete with barbecue tofu and Korean BBQ salmon.

Improper is used throughout the menu to describe options such as nachos made with house-made pimento cheese served over salt and vinegar house chips or a take on Brunswick stew that features collard greens, black-eyed peas, brisket and pulled pork.

Jennifer Thomas covers retail, health care and education for the Charlotte Business Journal.