Rodney Scott's BBQ — Restaurant in Atlanta

Dear Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ Team,

I am writing to express my deep disappointment regarding a recent experience I had at your Atlanta location, an establishment I’ve long considered one of my favorite places to dine, relax, and bring my out-of-town guests.

I first discovered Rodney Scott’s on opening day, July 27, 2021, when I followed the unmistakable and inviting aroma of barbecue. From that day on, I became a loyal patron, visiting the restaurant two to three times a week. I celebrated significant personal milestones there, including earning my Master’s degree. I’ve made it my go-to spot for socializing, watching sports at the bar, and introducing friends and family to what I considered one of the best barbecue spots in the city.

However, on July 13, 2025, an unfortunate experience left me feeling not only disappointed, but also disrespected. I very rarely stray from ordering the ribs—my favorite—and usually get them to go. On this visit, I chose to dine in. The ribs I was served were unusually salty—so much so that, after attempting two ribs, I could not continue eating due to concerns over my high blood pressure.

The bartender took the ribs to the kitchen and soon after, a manager, Kerra (sp?), approached. When I explained my concern, she dismissed it by stating that she was "not a germaphobe" and had personally tasted the ribs and found them acceptable. While I appreciate diligence, the implication that her taste preferences override mine—without any consideration for my health or perspective—was incredibly off-putting.

As a 59-year-old adult and long-time loyal customer, I felt as if my feedback was treated as irrelevant and my opinion as invalid. I did not expect to be challenged over something as subjective as taste, especially in such a condescending manner.

I’ve supported this location consistently for four years, not only with my patronage but also by recommending it widely. An encounter like this, instead of being addressed with empathy or an effort to resolve it amicably, has caused me to question my continued support.

I’m not writing in search of compensation or a gesture—I’m writing for awareness. Customers like me are the backbone of any restaurant’s success. Loyalty should be met with respect and a willingness to listen, not with defensiveness and disregard.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about good food—customer care and service are what define long-term success. I hope this feedback is taken in the spirit in which it is intended: as an opportunity to reflect and...

NASTY, OVER PRICED & POOR SERVICE. When Rodney Scott’s BBQ first opened in our neighborhood around 3 years back, my wife and I got excited. We thought we were going to get a swanky bbq spot in our neighborhood. About a month after opening, we decided to take the family there for dinner. Unfortunately, everything we wanted, was unavailable. We just assumed that since they were new, they were still figuring out their best sellers and how much they should order to stay stocked. No biggie. We just would try again at a later date. We never got back around to going. I passed the restaurant nearly everyday and over the next few years I noticed that the parking lot rarely had more than 6 cars in it. In my head I wondered if the restaurant just wasn’t a good fit for the neighborhood. Still wanting to try it but skeptical I continued to pass it up with thoughts of being served day old food for the lack of business. Well against my better judgment I finally decided to give it a try. I was riding my bike pass the restaurant yesterday (Memorial Day) and the restaurant parking lot was kinda full. I figured if I were going to try it, today was the day. When I finished my bike ride, I jumped in the car and headed up there. I arrived 30 mins before close. I ordered the brisket, collards, and Mac & cheese. They were out of collards so I opted for the fries. After I placed my order I sat at the table directly in front of the ordering counter. I waited 15 mins then I started to wonder what was taking so long. Another 5 mins goes by, and I hear someone calling my name. I walk towards him because he had a box in his hand. He then tells me my order is on the other side of the restaurant…I go to pick it up and something tells me to check my order. Fries cold and old. I tell the person behind the pick up counter and his reply was, “we called you a few times.” Keep in mind it was on the opposite side of the building. There was nothing around to indicate that there was a second pickup location. While they were making the fries I noticed my Mac & Cheese was looking dry. At this point I just want my fries so I can go. I get in the car and trying some of the brisket and all fatty with no flavor. Mac and cheese, no flavor. And you guessed it, fries no flavor. $30 for trash. That will my first and last time going to...

I placed an order on Friday for myself and two other coworkers they're order was fine but mines was not to my expectations. So I order 12 smoked wings all flats with the Kimberly sauce on the side with fries and a toasted bun. So my coworker picked up the order, so they only gave her one sauce for 12 wings and it wasn't the sauce I ordered with my wings, which was the white sauce that I don't care for. So I called back and soke with Warren explained to him what has happened he stated to come back , so Cynthia who picked up the order went and one of the food packers were rude didn't want to take back the wings for fresher ones because they had gotten cold and threw two buns in the bag. So she comes back to work with the oder, she comes back with the same wings and stated that the food packer would not take the wings back. So I called back and ask for a manager which was Chris I explained what happened he credited back my wings and stated I could bring them back which I could not at that time because my lunch was over so I asked could I bring back after work he stated yes. So I took the food back and spoke with a young lady and explained to that I spoke with Chris so she knew what I was there for she apologized and said she would fix it, I gave her the receipt with the wings and bread, thinking she was going to correct everything. So she brings out the food pops the top open quick and closes it and gave me my toasted bun asked me how many sauce and what kind. So I get home its not what I paid for. I Paid for all flats and only got four and eight legs, they left off my celery off. The issues I have is your staff is leaving off things when placing the order and the packers are not reading the receipt, because when I brought back my food the receipt was given to the nice lady but if she would have read it she would have given me flats instead of legs which I don't like that's why I asked for flats so I only ate four wings,coleslaw and a toasted bun and put the rest in their fridge, so I had no lunch on Friday to no complete dinner, so I'm up at 4am in the morning hungry, that is why I'm up writing this review I will be calling back asking to leave a message...