Quality food and southern hospitality; the key for Big Shanty Smokehouse

By: J.L. Floyd


Kennesaw --- Big Shanty Smokehouse has put itself in a good position amidst a struggling economy. Owner and operator Chic Dillard opened this little barbecue restaurant over a year ago and has steadily gained a reputation for excellent food and hospitable service.

When Dillard first saw the little ‘shanty’, he knew it was ideal for a barbecue place.

“I passed it one day after a golf game and thought that it would be a perfect location for a barbecue place. The small, cozy little atmosphere fit perfectly with my concept,” said Dillard.

Dillard was an Executive Chef and restaurant manager in the 1980s and 90s. He has been grilling for over 30 years and his culinary expertise can be tasted in every bite. Dillard prides himself in slow-smoking his meat using hickory wood chips. Dillard uses his homemade sauces and dry rubs to flavor the meats.

Dillard’s wife and co-owner Shannon Dillard makes every side item using fresh, quality ingredients, as well as traditional family recipes. Green beans, macaroni and cheese, baked beans and potato salad are just a few of the homemade sides that are offered.

Shannon also makes every dessert from scratch. Using quality ingredients and homemade recipes are the staples for this smokehouse. C. Dillard thinks that this is the key to surviving in this economy.

“Our secret is our quality products, consistency, and southern hospitality. We are a small place…I see a lot of the same customers sometimes three times a week…but I also see a new customer walk in every day,” said C. Dillard.

Big Shanty Smokehouse has grown so big that urbanspoon.com has named it ‘The best BBQ in the Atlanta Metro-Area’. C. Dillard has relied strictly on word of mouth advertising. He cannot afford commercials or published ads to publicize his restaurant.

Blog sites like urbanspoon.com and bbqgeek.com have really helped spread the word about this delicious barbecue joint. The Dillards have enjoyed a steady stream of customers even in this economic downturn.



C. Dillard acknowledges that he is lucky, but is optimistic for the future.

“I definitely picked a bad time to open a restaurant…but I’ve been fortunate to do as good as I am doing. I just hope people continue to give my barbecue a chance, because it really is the best quality and best tasting food around,” said Chic Dillard.

Apparently, people are recognizing the immense care and effort that is put into cooking every morsel. Jeffery Burdette is a regular customer and he really enjoys his weekly lunch at Big Shanty.

“You can’t find a better meal in town for seven dollars. The tastes of Big Shanty Smokehouse remind me of my grandfather’s cooking back home,” said Burdette.

Burdette is willing to pay a little extra to have Big Shanty Smokehouse. He did say that he is a frequent visitor of dollar menus, but even when money is tight a quality product is worth the expense.

Big Shanty Smokehouse is surviving well in this tough economy. People are seeing a quality product and they are letting their voices be heard. Urbanspoon.com has over 300 fans registered with Big Shanty Smokehouse and over 200 positive blog reviews. The attendance, like the popularity, continues to grow every day.

Big Shanty Smokehouse is located at 3393 Cherokee Street in Kennesaw Georgia. For a complete menu go to http://www.bighshantybbq.com



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My Big Shanty Smokehouse Blog site:

http://bigshantysmokehouse.blogspot.com

Chic Dillard
770-499-7444

Jeffery Burdette
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