Some Days Call for a Night Out
There are days when cooking sounds like a great idea, and then there are days when it feels like one more thing on an already full to-do list. After a long day at work, a busy weekend, or simply spending time out in the summer heat, sitting down to a meal someone else has prepared can be exactly what you need.
Comfort Food Has a Way of Bringing People Together
There’s a reason people gather around good food. Whether you’re meeting friends after work, catching up with family, or grabbing dinner with someone you haven’t seen in a while, sharing a meal creates time to slow down and enjoy each other’s company. Good conversations seem to last a little longer when there’s great food on the table and drinks being poured.
It’s About More Than Just What’s on the Plate
A night out isn’t only about satisfying your appetite. It’s about taking a break from your routine. It’s laughing over stories, celebrating small wins, watching the game, or simply enjoying the atmosphere around you. Sometimes the best part of dinner isn’t what you ordered—it’s the people you’re sharing it with—but at MoonRunners we’d like to think it’s both.
Summer Is the Perfect Excuse to Get Out
Longer evenings and hot weather make summer the perfect season to leave the cooking and hours cleaning up the kitchen behind. Instead of spending time grocery shopping and prepping meals, you can spend that time making memories. Whether it’s a spontaneous dinner or a planned night out, summer has a way of making simple moments feel special.
Every Visit Feels a Little Different
No two visits to Moonrunners Saloon are exactly alike. One night might be a casual burger after work. The next could turn into appetizers, drinks, and staying long enough to catch live entertainment or run into familiar faces. That’s part of the fun—you never quite know where the evening will take you.
Make the Most of Your Time Together
Life moves fast, and finding time to connect with people isn’t always easy. Going out to eat removes the distractions that come with cooking and hosting at home, allowing everyone to simply enjoy being together. The best plans are simply choosing a table, ordering your favorites, and letting the evening unfold naturally.
Good Food. Good Company. Good Times.
At Moonrunners Saloon, every meal is an opportunity to relax, reconnect, and enjoy the moment. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick bite or settling in for the evening, we’re here to make every visit one worth coming back for.
It all started around 2010 or 2011 when my family and I wandered into Characters Quarters in Garner for the first time. I ordered a steak medium rare. It arrived… well done. Now, I’m not much of a complainer, but my wife gave me the look and convinced me to ask if they could remake it.
I reluctantly mentioned it to our server, who couldn’t have been more gracious. A few moments later, Guy came out personally to apologize. He was professional, genuinely cared about making things right, and assured me I’d be getting the steak I ordered.
A few minutes later, Guy returned with one of the best steaks I’ve ever had. That was all it took—I was hooked.
Over the past 16 years, my family, along with plenty of friends we’ve introduced to MoonRunners, have enjoyed not only Guy’s incredible food but also his friendship. Along the way, we’ve become friends with so many of the amazing staff. Around that same time, I had started smoking barbecue at home and brought Guy a few samples. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I was helping cook BBQ for MoonRunners catering events.
Fast forward to my retirement in 2025. I was looking for something fun to do that might also keep a little gas in the truck. Charlie and Guy asked if I’d be interested in running MoonRunners’ off-site catering events. My answer didn’t take long: “Absolutely. Let’s do it—and let’s grow this thing!”
Somewhere along the way, I earned the nickname “BBQ Mike.” Then they really surprised me by putting a pulled pork sandwich on the menu with my name on it. It only took me 67 years to become menu-famous! I couldn’t be prouder. Even better, my son has become quite the pit master himself, so with a little luck, the BBQ tradition will keep rolling for years to come.
To the entire MoonRunners family—thank you for making me feel like part of yours. What started with an overcooked steak turned into friendships, great memories, and an incredible journey that I never saw coming. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
FAQ With Mike Rogers
How long have you been cooking BBQ? Grilling since the mid 80’s but focused on smoking meat Since roughly 2015
Have you won/competed in any competitions? Yes, I have competed with several professional teams over the years and we did receive calls at several of the events. Each event is a four meat turn in so you get judged on each meat. Just aged out of competing due to the commitment and prefer to cater
What training have you received? Training has, for the most part, been hands on through Grill Billies. The owner of GB’s took me under his wings back in 2015 and I’ve had the pleasure of learning from, and being mentored by, some of the top professional teams and pitmasters in the Southeast that shop at and support Grill Billies. I am also a certified judge and have been a part of many back yard competitions over the years.
