By Becky Billingsley

Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012, North Myrtle Beach - An experienced team of restaurateurs is soon opening a new barbecue, wings and burger restaurant on Sea Mountain Highway in North Myrtle Beach.

Owner/chef Pete Hutchings has a new smoker from Texas, and in the latter part of February he will start creating enticing aromas and what he promises to be delectable barbecue at The Screamin' Pig. The restaurant is located at 1020 Sea Mountain Highway, in the former spot where Phyllis Highsmith had Beaches Burgers & Grill.

Hutchings, originally from New York, has spent the previous 10 year working in the Columbia and Ocean Isle Beach areas, in catering and resort positions. He says he is eager to launch a career in a more laid-back atmosphere.

"It's going to be very casual," he said on Feb. 8 at the restaurant. "I love the location. We're going to have a fire pit out back, and we'll sell canned beer."

Hutchings anticipates having a liquor license in May, and says he'll be biker-friendly.

"This building and the one next door," he said, " used to be part of a fish camp. The building is from the late 1940s or 50s, and this is where all the fish got cooked."

But fish won't be on the opening menu, which features smoked meats. He and former coworkers from Ocean Isle Beach, general manager Tonya Bracken and kitchen manager Brandon Becker, will serve Pulled Pork Barbecue, Chopped Beef Brisket Sandwiches, Baby Back Ribs, Pork Spare Ribs, Smoked Sweet Sausage with peppers and onions, Barbecue Chicken and Grilled Barbecue Meatloaf Sandwiches. Pepper Vinegar and Mustard sauces will be offered.

Sandwiches including burgers, chicken, hot dogs, and chicken salad are also on the menu along with wings in six flavors: mild, hot, screamin', kahuna, barbecue and honey garlic.

The entire menu, including prices, can be viewed at http://screaminpig.com/Menu.html.

Later, when the restaurant is established, catering will be offered, from carry-out to on-site Lowcountry boils and pig pickin's.

When it opens at 1020 Sea Mountain Highway, operating hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and as the weather warms up they'll extend to 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The phone number is (843) 427-7901.