Owner Ken Hess cooked his first BBQ contest here in Lynchburg, igniting an incredible love and appreciation for the culture and flavors of American barbecue. After a 15-year love affair working alongside of the country’s top pitmasters and winning World Championships, Ken has returned to the city where it all began to share his passion for Smoak with the public. He and his wife Jessica, also a classically trained chef, have a passion for BBQ and it shows.