SAVANNAH, Georgia (February 17, 2009) – When championship is part of your name, you better be the best. The National Barbecue News agrees, awarding Wiley’s Championship BBQ on Savannah’s Whitemarsh Island their top recognition – one of “2009 Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America.”

Wiley McCrary beams, “This award is what I’ve worked for ever since I began competing in the barbecue circuit 12 years ago.” Chatham County Commission Chairman, Pete Liakakis, will present the national award to the McCrary’s at Savannah City Mission on Thursday, February 19 at 10:30 AM.

BBQ HOG HEAVEN WITH A “BEST OF THE BEST” MENU
When the restaurant opened in September 2008, Wiley and Janet boasted that “BBQ Hog Heaven has a name: Wiley’s Championship BBQ.” Since then, the McCrary’s have gained a loyal following of believers. Diners are not only Savannah area locals, but also BBQ circuit competitors and judges who travel across country to visit and test the couple’s in-restaurant fare.

To celebrate their national award, Wiley’s is filling the lunch and dinner menus with the dishes that are requested the most -– the best of Wiley’s best specials. “We’ve gotten so many calls asking if Barbecue Meatballs, Pork Chops or Brisket are on today’s menu. We are packing the daily menu with those favorites,” shares Janet McCrary. “Wiley gets up at dawn to make sure our friends enjoy their favorites for dining in, takeout or catered events.”

THEY GAVE BACK FIRST
Like so many who love Savannah, the McCrary’s came to visit and then decided to stay. But, first they wanted to contribute.

The national barbecue celebrities arrived low key on the Savannah catering scene. They sought out opportunities to volunteer, discovering the Old Savannah City Mission’s needs. They offered their assistance at the annual Day of Great Thanksgiving Feast and help to serve over 5,200 meals, following up as volunteers at the Blues & BBQ Festival. Then they tested the Savannah market by catering casual-to-elegant private parties.

“This caring couple’s success proves that a small restaurant business can launch and survive, even thrive in a tough economy,” shares marketing executive Sandy Traub. “For those who have dined at Wiley’s Championship BBQ, the visit equates not only to delicious comfort food at an affordable price, but a welcoming smile and friendly chatter. It’s a comforting little escape, right here in town,” Traub surmises. “Their passion for excellence shows in all they do.”

The couple anticipates more national accolades soon. In January, a national food critic and writer was smitten by Janet’s rigatoni and parmesan macaroni and cheese. The “little barbecue joint,” as Wiley calls it, is only ten minutes from downtown Savannah on Highway 80, Whitemarsh Island. For more information call (912) 201-3259.

ABOUT WILEY’S CHAMPIONSHIP BBQ
In a friendly, Cheers-TV-style atmosphere, Savannah’s new Wiley’s Championship BBQ restaurant and catering serve up “World-class BBQ in your own back yard.” In November 2007, Georgia and South Carolina BBQ champions Wiley and Janet McCrary placed first in both pork ribs and beef brisket in the by-invitation-only National Barbecue Festival. Those same championship techniques, including rubs, spices, and the popular “Better Than Sex” sauce, featured by CNN newscasters, will be on the menu. Wiley’s Championship BBQ is located on Whitemarsh Island, 6 miles from Savannah’s downtown Historic District — 4700 U.S. Highway 80 East, Suite N, Whitemarsh Island (at Highway 80 & Islands Expressway), Savannah, Georgia 31410-2942. (912) 201-3259; email bbqgeneral@gmail.com; fax 912-201-3262 — www.wileyschampionshipbbq.com.

Press Contact:

Sandy Traub
Publicist, Wiley’s Championship BBQ
straub@spatior.com
912/398-9828