Henry’s BBQ Fire Likely Started Near Front Heater; Employee Heard Popping Before Smoke Filled Dining Area

Fire officials now say the Tuesday night fire at Henry’s BBQ in Summerville may have started in or around a heater near the front of the restaurant. Summerville Police Chief and Public Safety Director Brian Ozment said an employee was in the back of the building preparing for business the next day when she heard popping sounds coming from the front. When she went to check, Ozment said the front area was already filled with heavy smoke.

The blaze broke out Tuesday evening, January 20, at Henry’s BBQ, located at 10757 Commerce Street. Firefighters arrived to find the building reported as fully involved, with crews working aggressively to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading. In an initial report Tuesday night, officials had not released a cause, and Ozment told WZQZ News that more information was expected to become available as the investigation continued.

The restaurant building has been a familiar fixture in Summerville for decades, with a history that stretches back more than 60 years. It originally operated as Troy’s Drive In before the Ballenger family purchased the property in 1976, running it as a hamburger restaurant through several ownership changes, and later opening Ballenger’s Pizza Deli at the location in 1992. After Ballenger’s moved to Gore, the building went on to house two different Mexican restaurants before becoming Henry’s BBQ. Darlene Henry began renting the property more than 20 years ago, later purchasing it from the Ballengers in 2019, and the restaurant has remained a popular dining spot for Summerville and Chattooga County residents. WZQZ will continue to provide updates as officials release additional details.

Earlier Report: 

Firefighters battled a major blaze Tuesday evening at Henry’s BBQ, located at 10757 Commerce Street in Summerville. The building was reported to be fully engulfed in flames as crews worked to contain the fire, and the cause has not been released.

Summerville Police Chief and Public Safety Director Brian Ozment told WZQZ News Tuesday night that more details are expected to be available later. WZQZ will provide updates as information is released by officials.

The building has been a longtime fixture in Summerville, dating back more than 60 years. It originally operated as Troy’s Drive In before the Ballenger family purchased the property in 1976 and ran it as a hamburger restaurant through several ownership changes, later opening Ballenger’s Pizza Deli at the location in 1992.

After Ballenger’s moved to Gore, the building was rented to two different Mexican restaurants. Darlene Henry began renting the property more than 20 years ago and later purchased it from the Ballengers in 2019, continuing its legacy as Henry’s BBQ, a popular dining spot for Summerville and Chattooga County residents.