Ep. 181 - Kris Manning and Smokey Joe’s BBQ

Ep. 181 - Kris Manning and Smokey Joe’s BBQ

Author: Andrew and Bryan July 18, 2022 Duration: 40:13
When Kris Manning took over Smokey Joe’s BBQ from his father Kenneth Manning and Joe Melton, the original owners, he had a delicate balance to strike: balancing the traditions of a restaurant serving the community since 1985 with the desire to improve the overall menu by modernizing the cooking process. Kris along with longtime Smokey Joe’s pitmaster Earl Harris eventually swapped out their trusted but troublesome brick pit for well built custom offset smokers. Armed with newfound cooking knowledge provided by the tutelage of the Guess Family BBQ crew, Kris began making changes to some of the menu. The sides on the menu are a great homage to Kris’ upbringing and the simply seasoned hickory smoked ribs are a Smokey Joe’s staple that will never change, but the brisket they serve today is definitely the more consistent modern style familiar to today's barbecue audience. It’s safe to say Kris has done a great job straddling the line between tradition and evolving with the times.   Smokey Joes BBQ 6403 South RL Thornton Freeway Dallas, TX 75232.     Business Hours:   Sunday        -- 11am-5pm Monday        -- Closed Tuesday       -- Closed Wednesday  -- 11am-8pm or til Sold Out Thursday      -- 11am-8pm or til Sold Out Friday           -- 11am-9pm or til Sold Out Saturday       -- 11am-9pm or til Sold Out  

There’s a whole world of smoke and story behind every plate of Texas barbecue, and that’s exactly where Tales from the pits lives. Hosts Andrew and Bryan pull up a chair beside the people who shape this beloved tradition, moving far beyond just recipes and techniques. Each conversation digs into the personal journeys of pitmasters, restaurateurs, and suppliers-the real trendsetters and icons who define the industry. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of building a business around a smoker, the cultural roots of different regional styles, and the unexpected challenges of keeping a centuries-old craft alive and thriving today. This podcast is as much about community and place as it is about food, exploring how barbecue intersects with art, travel, and local identity across Texas. For anyone captivated by the aroma of post oak and the pursuit of the perfect bark, these stories offer a genuine connection to the passion and personality fueling every fire. Tune in for honest talks from the pits, the kitchens, and the minds that are shaping what Texas barbecue means now.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Tales from the pits, a Texas BBQ podcast featuring trendsetters, leaders, and icons from the barbecue industry
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