Buddy’s bar-b-q is known for delicious food, generous portions, and reasonable prices. With a welcoming atmosphere and quick service, our restaurant is a place where anyone can enjoy a meal with family and friends. Our story began more than 50 years ago, and our family recipes and traditions are still in place today. Keep reading to learn more about the interesting history of Buddy’s bar-b-q.
Getting Into the Restaurant Business
In 1966, Buddy Smothers invested in his wife LaMuriel’s talent and helped her become the owner of her first restaurant in Seymour, Tennessee. The Pixie Drive Inn was a huge success, with business doubling within a year. Because of this great success, Buddy left behind his 20-year career in finance to join his wife in the restaurant business. Soon, the couple decided to explore different opportunities. They sold the Pixie Drive Inn in search of a bigger market and a new concept. Knoxville seemed like a logical choice, and they decided to take on Tennessee bar-b-q. The duo went back to their native state of Alabama to master the cuisine under the instruction of their dear friend Bob Sikes.
The First Buddy’s bar-b-q
In 1972, the first Buddy’s bar-b-q opened in Knoxville, Tennessee. This location has remained open for more than 50 years. The leased space could seat only 24 people, and Buddy was working 20-hour days cooking and supervising in the restaurant. He was so busy that he even moved a cot into his office for the first few months. Within just 3 years, Buddy owned the space and expanded the restaurant to seat 150 people. Buddy’s bar-b-q was quickly becoming famous for serving delicious food with bluegrass music.
The restaurant ran four concessions in the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville for six months and was so successful it had repaid its line of credit within just 30 days. Due to word spreading from the fair, Buddy’s began to be recognized as a Tennessee tradition. With the help of guests, Buddy’s bar-b-q perfected the taste that would come to define our Tennessee bar-b-q that’s known and loved today.
Continued Growth in East Tennessee
Buddy’s bar-b-q continues to be a family operation. Today, it’s a third-generation family-owned business with 19 locations across East Tennessee, including our very own Buddy’s bar-b-q in Hixson. Our brand has become a part of the fabric of the East Tennessee dining scene because we consistently offer a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere where guests can dine comfortably, whether enjoying a meal inside or on the go. Each Buddy’s bar-b-q location, including our own, has a convenient drive-thru so busy families and guests can enjoy a delicious, convenient meal to go. We continue to prioritize value, offering daily and weekly specials so you can save even more on lunch and dinner.
A Lasting Legacy
Buddy’s bar-b-q continues to use family recipes for our smoked meats and side dishes. All meats are hickory-smoked onsite daily in our bar-b-q pit. They’re cooked slow but served fast for the best flavor at a convenient pace. Our restaurant still serves famous classics such as the pork sandwich, homemade hushpuppies, and smoky wings, and we’ve added new takes on American classics like our Hawgback Fries and Potatoes. Through everything we do, we stay true to our roots.
Stop by Buddy’s bar-b-q in Hixson or order online to experience our delicious food, friendly hospitality, and family values for yourself!
