Mary's Pit BBQ

03/15/2026

It has come to our attention that some unfair accusations are being posted on the community page. For the sake of full transparency, we would like to share the current situation regarding Mary’s.

The GoFundMe was originally created to help cover the costs associated with demolition, a possible rebuild, and the loss of income after the closure.

The insurance payout was approximately $30,000. The GoFundMe raised about $15,000, after fees were deducted, and an additional $3,500 was generously donated by Ryland Pike Farmers Market, Rocket City Poppers, and LawLers. The match of $5,000 from Sinaird Law Firm and $500 from Huntsville Explorer is included in the $15,000 GoFundMe funds.

Of the insurance funds, roughly $12,000 went toward taxes, including sales tax, employee taxes, and property taxes.

The $3,500 in direct donations was used to cover outstanding bills and help offset the loss of income during the first couple of months following the closure.

The demolition of the building cost $6,900, which was paid using GoFundMe funds. At this time, approximately $8,600 remains in that account. Those funds will not be used for anything other than rebuilding costs if and when that time comes, or potentially toward purchasing a food truck.

The accusations being shared are both hurtful and far from the truth. Our family would absolutely love to see Mary’s open again, and we remain hopeful that one day it will be.

We are incredibly grateful for the support this community has shown throughout this difficult time.

12/17/2025

I’ve waited before responding publicly because there is no quick or easy way to put this loss into words.
The fire at Mary’s BBQ didn’t just take a building. It took decades of memories, family history, hard work, and my livelihood. For me, this wasn’t just a business, it was my past, my present, and the life I worked every day to hold together. The emotional toll has been heavy, and navigating grief, shock, and uncertainty takes time. Mary’s was a family business, and for many years it was run day-to-day by me alongside a small crew who became family.
I want to clearly address the questions surrounding donations. The GoFundMe funds are fully accounted for. Right now, our focus is on the remaining cleanup and determining what is realistically possible moving forward. Whether or not rebuilding a brick & mortar building is possible has not yet been decided.
I understand how much Mary’s meant to this community, and I’m deeply grateful for the love, support, prayers, and patience that have been shown. I kindly ask for grace as we take the time needed to make thoughtful, responsible decisions during an incredibly painful chapter.

Thank you for standing with us and for respecting the space it takes to heal and plan.

— April

04/16/2025

Good morning!
I wanted to take a moment to share an update since it’s been a couple of months. Once we finally received the fire report, we were able to begin the process with the insurance company. Because the building was so old and grandfathered into outdated codes, the coverage unfortunately doesn’t come close to funding a full rebuild—but that remains our goal.

You’ll likely start to see some movement soon, as the demolition of the old building is expected to begin in the coming weeks. It’s incredibly sad for all of us, but unfortunately, there just isn’t much left that can be salvaged.

We’re so grateful for the outpouring of support—your kind words, prayers, messages, donations, and time have truly meant the world to us. I’ll do my best to keep everyone updated more regularly moving forward. It’s been a rough and incredibly busy couple of months, but we’re still here, taking things one step at a time.

02/24/2025

As a reminder, today is Mary’s Mondays at LawLers Barbecue on Wi******er Road!

Make sure you say you’re there for Mary’s Mondays!

Huge thanks to LawLers Barbecue for this campaign.
Please share to help get the word out!

It's time for another MISS MARY'S MONDAYS!

Our local barbecue neighbor, Miss Mary's Pit BBQ, suffered a devastating fire in January. We know that if anyone can help, our LawLers Barbecue friends and family can! Every Monday in February, visit our Wi******er Rd location, and we will donate 50% of proceeds when you let us know you'd like your order to contribute to the Miss Mary's Mondays fundraiser!

02/17/2025

We're half way through our month of MISS MARY'S MONDAYS! Let's make these few remaining Monday's the best we can of our friends at Miss Mary's Pitt BBQ.

Our local barbecue neighbor, Miss Mary's Pit BBQ, suffered a devastating fire in January. We know that if anyone can help, our LawLers Barbecue friends and family can! Every Monday in February, visit our Wi******er Rd location, and we will donate 50% of proceeds when you let us know you'd like your order to contribute to the Miss Mary's Mondays fundraiser!

02/16/2025

It’s hard to put into words what Mary’s BBQ has meant to our family for generations. Since 1958, it’s been more than just a restaurant—it’s been our home. It’s where my great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents built something special, a place where love was served with every plate of food.

I grew up here. I remember selling lemonade out front as a kid, just wanting to be a small part of what my family had created. It was my first job, where I learned the meaning of hard work, responsibility, and the art of cooking from the best. After school, I’d rush over to help, surrounded by the smells of smoked barbecue and the laughter of customers who felt like family.

Losing Mary’s in the fire was devastating. The memories, the history, and the love poured into that place can never be replaced—but the outpouring of support from this community has reminded us that we are not alone in this.

To Siniard Law, LLC, LawLers Barbecue, Rocket City Popperz , Ryland Pike Farmers Market, Huntsville Explorer, and every single person who participated in the fundraisers, prayed for us, gave us an encouraging word, or donated to our GoFundMe—thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your kindness, generosity, and belief in us mean more than you’ll ever know. You’re not just helping us rebuild a restaurant; you’re helping us keep a family legacy alive.

This community has always been the heart of Mary’s BBQ, and with your support, we know that this isn’t the end—it’s just the next chapter. We can’t wait to welcome you all back, to share meals, memories, and continue what was started so many years ago.

With endless gratitude,
Hannah Koger (April’s daughter)

02/15/2025

We have a dozen pork tenderloin extra that was not preordered if you'd like to help with this fundraiser for the rebuilding of Mary's Pit BBQ . 1 for $20 2 for $35. We close at 4 pm today

02/15/2025

Thank you to Ryland Pike Farmers Market for hosting this generous fundraiser and to everyone who placed an order!

Pork tenderloins are ready for pick up now. This is the fundraiser to rebuild Mary's Pit BBQ from Ryland Pike Farmers Market. We appreciate all of you that placed an order for this great cause. A really big thanks to Brian Brooks MCBOE district 3 for all his help taking the orders and helping smoke the tenderloin

02/11/2025

Don’t forget to get your orders in at Ryland Pike Farmers Market!

02/09/2025

As a reminder, tomorrow is Mary’s Mondays at LawLers Barbecue on Wi******er Road!

Make sure you say you’re there for Mary’s Mondays!

Huge thanks to LawLers Barbecue for this campaign.
Please share to help get the word out!

MISS MARY'S MONDAYS: Our local barbecue neighbor, Miss Mary's Pit BBQ, suffered a devastating fire in January. We know that if anyone can help, our LawLers Barbecue friends and family can! Every Monday in February, visit our Wi******er Rd location, and we will donate 50% of proceeds when you let us know you'd like your order to contribute to the Miss Mary's Mondays fundraiser!