6-27-05
(http://www.news-record.com/news/now/bbq062705.htm)

Posted 9:45 a.m.

RALEIGH - A new book describes Ed Mitchell's restaurant in Wilson as
the "Taj Mahal of barbecue," but his monument to cooked pig is closed
these days.

That's because Mitchell faces multiple felony and misdemeanor tax
charges. His restaurant has been closed since April, and he had a first
court appearance in May.

Mitchell, 58, is charged with two counts of aiding and abetting the
embezzlement of state property, one count of aiding and abetting the
embezzlement of county property, one count of willful failure to file a
partnership tax return and one count of willful failure to file an
individual income tax return, according to a Revenue Department news
release.

"My activities going around the (barbecue) circuit left a lot of
responsibility at lower management, and they probably made some
decisions that weren't acceptable," Mitchell said Friday.

By circuit, Mitchell means events such as the Big Apple Barbecue Block
Party in New York City, where he was a featured pitmaster earlier this
month.

Arrest warrants allege that Mitchell knowingly aided and abetted the
embezzlement of $40,477.91 in state sales taxes, $22,487.73 in Wilson
County sales taxes and $13,053 in state withholding taxes. Mitchell was
also charged with the willful failure to file state income tax returns
for himself and a partnership in 2003.

"We believe it is embezzlement; it fits the criteria for embezzlement,"
said Thomas Dixon Jr., director of the criminal investigations division
of the Revenue Department.

Midwest barbecue cook Mike Mills described Mitchell's restaurant as
"the Taj Mahal of barbecue," in his book "Peace, Love and Barbecue."
Mitchell said he plans to open another restaurant in Wilson despite his
tax troubles.

"I am certain within the next 90 days we will have some serious plans
in effect," said Mitchell, who has replaced his previous management
team with a certified public accountant.

And he's not worried that his troubles at home will affect his national
reputation, even though the charges are mentioned in an article in
Gourmet magazine article that also sings the praises of his barbecue.

"Ed Mitchell is a man of integrity," he said. "Anyone who knows me
knows I'm all genuine."