Smokemasters owners ‘happy to be open again’

POMONA — Donna and Michael Smith almost left Pomona.

When Casey’s General Store purchased the property that housed their restaurant, Smokemasters Bar-B-Que, they considered moving the business to Ottawa.

But Ottawa seemed a bit more expensive, Donna Smith, of Quenemo, said.

“Pomona is kind of like home,” she said.

And home it will remain for the barbecue restaurant.

The business, previously housed at 204 E. Franklin St., reopened Friday at a new location at 103 W. Franklin St. after being closed since May.

“We had to totally renovate the building,” Smith said. “That took us a bit longer than what we would have liked.”

The new building was used as a laundromat years ago, she said.

“It has been a long time since anyone cared about that building,” Smith said.

She said customers can expect the same menu and employees that they have become accustomed to over the past seven years.

“The only thing that really changed is where we’re at,” Smith said.

Smokemasters is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Smith said an all-day breakfast menu and later opening time has been added to Saturdays.

“The days just got too long,” she said. “Nineteen hours is just too long.”

Smith said the first weekend being open again was a successful one.

“We’re happy to be open again,” she said. “We’re glad we stayed at home. We’re glad we stayed at Pomona.”

Jenalea Myers can be e-mailed at jmyers@ottawaherald.com.