Smokin’ Joe’s BBQ reopens
Restaurant owner Joe Fortuna Sr., left, Destiny Bearden and Joe Fortuna Jr. were all smiles last Thursday just before the reopening of Smokin’ Joe’s restaurant. The cafe sits just off the southwest corner of the Gainesville square. Times photo/Jessi Dreckman.
After nearly two years with shuttered doors, Joe Fortuna reopened Smokin’ Joe's BBQ in Gainesville last Thursday - and judging by the steady flow of diners, the community is happy about it.
“[We’re] overwhelmed with gratitude and the support we received opening back up! We got our butts kicked,” the barbecue joint posted on its Facebook page after its first few days open. “It is really good to be back.”
On the restaurant's first day open, Smokin’ Joe, as he’s called by many, was joined by his son Joe Jr. in the kitchen, and the friendly face of longtime Smokin’ Joe’s waitress Destiny Bearden, who says she’s thrilled to be back - both to see her regular customers and to be able to enjoy the delicious barbecue that the Fortuna father and son duo are so well known for.
“We just want to see growth for the community, and it starts with a full belly and a strong foundation. These guys put out some good stuff. We all felt good to be serving our little community again,” Bearden told the Times.
The menu is similar to its former version with a few minor changes. “We took a few things off and added a few others,” Joe said. The barbecue mainstays of pulled pork, brisket, ribs, smoked turkey and smoked chicken wings are back, as well as a traditional and smoked turkey BLT, various burgers, Reuben sandwich and fried catfish and chicken strips. An extensive appetizer menu offers up several fried specialties: mushrooms, cauliflower, pickles, onion rings, sidewinder and sweet potato fries, along with spicy green beans and cheese curds. Loaded fries and nachos are also available.
The restaurant is currently open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays. Those hours are subject to change as the restaurant gets a feel for its busier times.
Fortuna said the restaurant underwent extensive and costly renovations before it could reopen - a new roof, air conditioning unit, new ceiling and walls, he said. Those needed repairs were part of the reason he had to close in July 2023. He hopes the support of the community now will help get them back on their feet after the renovations, so they can continue dishing up good eats.