Meet Smokey
PIT MASTER
JAMES “SMOKEY” JONES
Pit Master James Jones takes his passion for barbecue seriously and it’s because of that he opened a restaurant inside the renovated Historic South Cle Elum Depot on April 20, 2013. “It’s a unique place and for that reason matched my vision,” Jones said.
Jones’ a former Boeing engineer and electronics consultant first got into barbecuing as a backyard hobbyist which evolved into a winning national and international competition circuit pit master. James says that his recipe for success comes from everything he’s learned from his immersion in those high-end competitions. “I’ve had a lot of mentors and it comes down to good beef and a good smoker. After that it’s taste, tenderness and appearance, the same criteria judges on the circuit use.
Smokey’s Bar-B-Que is a family owned and operated endeavor, with his wife and two daughters actively involved in the operation of the business.