Located in the heart of Kinston, on the corner of North and Herritage street, Beary Smokey Smokehouse serves plated food to order, and has an upstairs venue that will seat up to 90 people and offer in-house catering with décor. They specialize in smoked meats, and have award winning sides.

“We’re a one-stop shop,” said owner Ferndando Hicks. “Come here, eat, and we’ll take care of the rest.”

Hicks started grilling and smoking meats as a pre-teen. He watched how the elders of his community smoked the meat and how they added flavors. The experimenting with flavors had him hooked. His dedication to the quality of the meat, and flavors he infuses, sets Beary Smokey Smokehouse apart. They use different blends of wood like peach, pecan, and orange.

“The different flavors of the wood gives the meat a different taste,” said Hicks. “We’re constantly experimenting.”

Community involvement is important to Hicks. Having worked with soup kitchens and churches in the past, Hicks helped feed over 1,500 people last year around Thanksgiving. They also visited local area schools and provided meals for them as well throughout the year.

Hicks wife, Michelle Hicks, had no idea her husband dreamed of opening a smokehouse.

“I’m thinking that my husband hoodwinked me, because I didn’t know nothing about a smokehouse or his dream to own his own restaurant,” said Mrs. Hicks. “After he told me about it, it became my dream.”

The Hicks reside in Winterville, but chose the Kinston community for their restaurant because of the friendly people and the love received from the community when they had pop-ups in the area.

“A good meal at the end of the day, is worth its weight in goal,” said Hicks. “I like to see people eat well and have a full belly.”

“My daughter and I had lunch here this past Saturday and it was awesome!" Paula Carlyle Mercer stated in posted review of Beary Smokey Smokehouse. "The brisket, mac and cheese and collards were great. We will definitely be back."

The hours of operation are 11:00 am until 8:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday and 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Sunday. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Images from Beary Smokey Smokehouse Facebook page.