He may just be the most well-loved stray dog of all time. He spent his days roaming the neighborhood he had claimed as home. He had one particular spot, though, that he visited more than others. It had become his favorite over the years. Maybe the owners of that home took extra care and time with him, but even after they moved away, he continued coming back to the home as it was converted into a restaurant that has now grown into an iconic restaurant chain in South Carolina.

The home is located at 72 Queen Street in Charleston. Its conversion to a restaurant took place in 1976, and when Poogan died of natural causes three years later, the restaurant owners changed its name to Poogan's Porch as a tribute to him. After all, he had won their hearts and those of the restaurant's first patrons as the doors opened and he greeted them.

The oldest independent restaurant in Charleston, Poogan's Porch serves up traditional southern dishes that have been loved by Charleston residents and visitors all these years. Perhaps most well-loved is its hearty, flavorful she-crab soup!

Realizing that Poogan's Porch could never really be replicated, the owners decided to expand the "Poogan brand" and have opened Poogan's Southern Kitchen with locations in Summerville and Columbia.

The Summerville location has been recognized by Summerville Journal Scene readers as "Best Southern Restaurant" and "Best New Restaurant" for 2021-2022.

Why not have Poogan's Dog Bowl for brunch? It features a buttermilk biscuit, sausage gravy, fried chicken tenders, and two sunny-side-up eggs.

Poogan would be happy to know other pups can enjoy a night out on the dog-friendly patio at Poogan's Southern Kitchen!

To further Poogan's growing legacy, there's now also Poogan's Smokehouse on East Bay Street in Charleston. After all, South Carolina is the birthplace of barbecue!

Be sure to bring a big appetite with you, especially if you want to try The Four Porksmen, which is pulled pork, smoked sausage, bacon, cheese, and St. Louis rib with Poogan's BBQ sauce on a Hawaiian bun. It's served with sidewinder fries.

And last but not least, there's Poogan's Courtyard, the perfect venue for your next event!

Also located in Charleston, on Cumberland Street, it's a full-service venue perfect for upscale events and memorable gatherings, whether weddings, corporate events, private brunches, or social events.

Its world-class catering services will work with you to create the perfect spread for your special occasion.

All who fall in love with this little dog who's stolen so many hearts can even have a Poogan of their own at home with them now!

Have you been to any of the Poogan restaurants or an event at Poogan’s Courtyard? Share about your experience with us!