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Smitty’s Smokin’ Soul Food was born out of a deep love for food, family, and a way to bring people together. Ever since that first day selling their homemade brisket, they realized that they weren’t just selling food, they were selling a way for people to get back to the family time that matters.
Whether it is weddings, events, community gatherings, or just some at-home catering, Smitty’s Smokin Soul Food does exactly what its name says…. brings the soul back to food!
Photo courtesy of Smitty’s Smokin’ Soulfood. Ghost Marketing, photographer.
One Sunday dinner in 2018, Allen Smith’s attempt at making a roast on his first try with a smoker he purchased on sale failed miserably. The fancy dinner he planned became another sad fast food meal.
Determined not to give in or give up, Smith kept trying until he got it right. As his experience grew, so did his efforts.
At first, Smith started selling meals to friends on Facebook. Eventually, he and his wife, Ashley, started catering both events and weddings.
Photo courtesy of Smitty’s Smokin’ Soulfood
The legend of Smitty’s Smokin’ Soul Food began to take hold.
While plans to open a restaurant or food truck came close to reality, there were setbacks along the way, including the pandemic.
Smith told Stephanie Mirah of The Post and Courier about that period. Here’s what she reported:
“Smith wanted to open a restaurant or a food truck concept before COVID hit and got ‘a little impatient with trying to find something.’ When the pandemic did hit, he called it a ‘blessing in disguise’ because it forced him to slow down and focus on building the brand.”
Photo courtesy of Smitty’s Smokin’ Soulfood. Ghost Marketing, photographer.
Word continued to spread, the brand continued to grow, and eventually, the day arrived for Smitty’s Smokin’ Soul Food to finally open, but it wouldn’t have happened without family.
Smith leaned on memories of his grandmother, who he said was always feeding those in need in her community, and he and Ashley gathered recipes from their parents and grandparents.
And it is family that remains important to them.
“Everything that we do is about family,” he said. “When people walk in the door, I want them to feel the same way, like they are part of the family as well.”
Today, Smith has traded in his simple Masterbuilt smoker for a “1,000-gallon commercial smoker, inspired by those used at Charleston-based Lewis Barbecue, which Smith has toured,” and you can enjoy the flavor of family at Smitty’s.
Photo courtesy of Smitty’s Smokin’ Soulfood. Rich Hefty, photographer.
What Folks are Saying
Google Review
Among the Google Reviews, Missy S reports that you simply can’t beat Smitty’s Smokin’ Soul Food:
Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Smitty’s – Hands down has the best quality soul food and smoked meats around. From the delicious mouth-watering sides to the ribs, wings, and pulled pork or chicken!
Always friendly with a smile, customer service done right with a price you can’t beat!
Smitty’s Soul Roll. Photo courtesy of Smitty’s Smokin’ Soulfood. The Pickens Foodie, photographer.
Facebook Review
Over on Facebook, Aquena Lynn King was at Smitty’s for opening day:
I got the chopped brisket with sweet potatoes crunch and Mac and cheese with peach cobbler. The amount of food they give at the price is well worth it.
While in line the owner’s wife Ashley was greeting everyone, which made the time go by super quick. The service is the best (Family atmosphere).
The cover could not be more appealing. The recipes cover the entire spectrum of BBQ. The history of BBQ had an appeal to my “Nawthern” friends that surprised me. Great section on Jackie Hite! I will be very interested to see how many awards this book earns. Job well done. There is simply not a… Read more “EVERYONE has stated that the Book is Incredible”