Embers BBQ in downtown Southern Pines is turning its smokers into a safety net for local families feeling the impact of food insecurities. Chef and owner David Bungarz has launched a “Community Special” — a free, take-home “heat and eat” meal — available to anyone who needs it, no questions asked.
Each Community Special bag is designed to feed a family and comes with barbecue, sides, and sauce, packaged cold so it can go straight into the fridge and be reheated later. Guests can stop by Embers BBQ at 130 SW Broad Street in Southern Pines during business hours and simply ask a staff member for the Community Special, with a general limit of one free meal per family per week so the restaurant can reach as many households as possible.
What started as David’s plan to hand out around 10 meals a day has quickly grown, with donations allowing Embers to feed dozens of families on some days. Community members can sponsor meals by visiting the Embers BBQ online ordering page and choosing the community donation option, which goes straight toward food, containers, and supplies for the program.
Embers BBQ opened in 2022 and has quickly become a go-to spot for Southern-style barbecue in Southern Pines, with David taking sole ownership in 2024. Now, the restaurant is just as well known for its generosity, as David says he plans to keep the Community Special going as long as the need and donations continue.
Need a meal or want to help? Stop by Embers BBQ at 130 SW Broad St in Southern Pines and ask for the Community Special, or visit embersbbq.com to make a community donation and help sponsor free meals for local families.
