Our friends down at MySaline are reporting that longtime Benton bbq joint Smokey Joe’s BBQ will shut down business on April 1.
Smokey Joe’s started off life in the early 70’s in South West Little Rock on Chicot Rd. For as long as I can remember though it has been a staple of the Military Rd food scene in Benton, which it located to sometime in the 80’s after current owners moved to the Benton location.
According to Smokey Joe’s Facebook page the current owners George and Sharon have decided to sell the building and retire from the business after 36 years.
“We have sincerely appreciate your business over the years. Many of you have become like family to us,” the owners say on their Facebook message, “We have enjoyed getting to share our lives and hear about yours. A point of pride for us was that we had such loyal, wonderful customers. Never ceases to amaze us how the years have passed.”
Unfortunately it was one of the few remaining locally owned spots on Benton’s Main drag. It, along with Dale’s Donuts were the only ones remaining from my time growing up in Benton. Eat My Catfish and nearby Sullivan’s Diner however have made a good name in the area.
No word yet on what will replace the Smokey Joe’s location on Military. It is positioned in a fairly prime location in a high traffic area, so I am sure there was little problem selling the spot.
