10/06/2026
On this day 18 years ago, then-Senator Barack Obama stopped by the original 12 Bones Smokehouse in Asheville’s River Arts District.
The Democratic presidential nominee was in town preparing for a debate against Republican nominee the late Senator John McCain.
He took his time shaking hands, posing for photos and visiting with customers before picking up lunch for his campaign staff.
According to Ashvegas and WRAL-TV, his order included brisket, two racks of ribs, pulled pork, a barbecue platter, a sides plate, corn pudding, mac and cheese, a double order of collard greens and six sweet teas.
Less than a month later, he was elected the 44th President of the United States.
And this wasn’t his last 12 Bones visit. Longtime customers, do you remember his next trip to Asheville? Tell us in the comments!
Were you there that day? We’d love to see your photos. Send us a message!
📸: David Katz (10/6/2008) Big thanks to David for giving us permission to share these images.
