Smoke & Barrels, also known as Natty BBQ Co., opened in Evans in December and is now having its first year of engaging Masters Week traffic.
Normally open Wednesday through Sunday, the barbecue spot is keeping its doors open all week to accommodate the Masters and ANWA crowds.
“The majority of the ownership group and the management team has been in the Augusta area for a long time,” said manager Aaron Swarmer, referring to the owners of Natty BBQ and its sister restaurant and Riverwood neighbor, Ironwood Tavern. “I think, as a general rule, the idea is to just be prepared to be at your busiest at any moment… Getting the staff ready to go, that’s more of a mindset thing. I think we could get the opportunity to get them excited, have them prepared to put their best foot forward and manage the lulls as if at any moment you can fill right up.”
MORE: Echavarria takes home Par 3 Contest win
The eatery has been staffed to capacity for its unconventional six-day operation, giving way for the chef to prepare several specials that Smoke and Barrels doesn’t normally get to offer, such as Korean pork loin, smoked meatloaf and Philly brisket. Even Ironwood Tavern, as part of its golf week specials, is offering chicken salad sandwiches with chicken smoked at Natty BBQ.
“Being as far out into Evans as we are, we take care of a lot of folks that are looking for a good homemade lunch while they’re renting their homes,” Swarmer said, noting that, like many nearby eateries, the dining room fills after the golf course clears.
And much like its sibling establishment, business picked up with the pre-Masters crowd, with many visitors arriving to the CSRA several days early and settling on the Columbia County side. Compared to some other places serving golf visitors for five to seven days, Smoke & Barrels has been receiving out-of-town patrons for the better part of two weeks, Swarmer said.
MORE: Hurricane Helene, Map & Flag, pace of play and more addressed by Augusta National chairman
“Our proximity to Champions [Retreat], I feel like, gives us an advantage. While we are on Washington Road, being out in Evans is a different situation,” he said, noting that the busiest times have come in waves, with the guests filling the diner to capacity shortly before heading off to their hotels and rented homes. “Our crowds have been great… hopefully we make a great impression and come see us with some time or two before they go back home.”
Smoke & Barrels is located at 3118 William Few Parkway, in the Riverwood Town Center, in Evans.
Skyler Andrews is a reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
