By Kevin Collison

Local Pig and Pigwich are closing out their first year in their new City Market digs on a high-profile note courtesy of Guy Fieri.

The restaurant and butcher shop will be featured this Friday (Nov. 29) at 8 p.m. on Fieri’s popular show on the Food Network, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”

“We’re excited,” was all Pigwich co-owner Alex Pope could say about the upcoming segment.

Under the terms of the appearance, Pope had to refer all media inquiries to the Food Network which did not respond immediately for comment.

The show however, promises to a lot of fun because joining Fieri in sampling Pigwich’s offerings will be Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.

“Guy Fieri has a rock-star lineup to kick off his new season at City Market’s very own Pigwich! Watch Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid tackle pigskin with Pigwich owners Alex Pope and Matt Kafka,” according to the Pigwich Facebook page.

Local Pig was on the local culinary map long before its upcoming national debut on “Diners.”

Pope came to KC from Eau Claire, Wisc. so his wife could attend pharmacy school at UMKC. He opened Local Pig in the East Bottoms in 2012 and a year later, Pigwich.

Both quickly became a destination for local foodie pilgrims.

Pope decided to relocate from his East Bottoms place at 2618 Guinotte Ave. to the former Winslow BBQ space at 20 E. Fifth St. because he needed new space.

With or without Fieri’s boost, it’s been a great first year in the River Market for Local Pig and Pigwich. The business opened in the City Market last January.

“Things are working out great,” Pope said, “we’re very happy. We’ve had a pretty good increase in sales for sure.”

(Editor’s note: Beginning Dec. 2, CityScene KC will become a paid subscription publication)

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