John Reaves,

Founder

Before John earned his nickname and reputation for providing customers in Dallas and Fort Worth delicious hickory-smoked barbecue, he began his career in business, working in the mortgage banking industry in the late 1960s with Glenn Justice Mortgage Company.

Though John showed a talent for business, becoming the vice president in charge of loan organization and eventually opening his own successful mortgage company and insurance agency, his heart was always in the foodservice industry.

Driven by a Higher Purpose

In 1976, John’s entrepreneurial endeavors lead him to found Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que & Home Cooking. His desire was to become the “Barbecue King.” However, God had another plan to direct John to the “King of kings.”

After a series of financial hardships, even bankruptcy, John’s focus turned from himself to seeking the real direction and purpose for his life. He recognized that his occupation at the restaurant was not only a way to feed happy customers in Northern Texas but led him to pursue his true vocation, that is, knowing Christ and allowing his life to be a witness for the Lord.

By the grace of God, John was blessed to continue in the restaurant business for over 40 years. His two sons, Juan and Brent, eventually became the co-owners, making Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que & Home Cooking truly a family endeavor.

On August 24, 2019, “Smokey” John Reaves passed away. He is sorely missed, but his spirit lives on in the heart of the restaurant and in the lives of the many people he’s impacted.