In a mountain town known for its community resilience, food with heart, and Southern grit, one comeback story is officially complete: Okie Dokies Smokehouse is back in Swannanoa, NC — and it’s better than ever.
400+ Days Later…
After Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina in 2024, leaving a trail of wreckage in its path, many businesses in the Swannanoa Valley were left underwater — literally. Okie Dokies Smokehouse, a local institution known for its slow-smoked barbecue and welcoming, no-frills atmosphere, was among the hardest hit. Their wood-fired pit was flooded. Their building damaged. Their food trucks washed away.
For more than a year, the pit went cold.
But if there’s one thing you need to know about the folks at Okie Dokies, it’s this: they don’t go down easy.
Back With Fire
Now — 400+ days since the flood — the pit is hot again, the menu is back, and Swannanoa Swine Dining is officially in business.
The space has been remodeled with care. The porch has been enclosed for extra seating. The kitchen’s upgraded, the pit’s repaired, and the vibe? Still as local, friendly, and smoky-good as ever.
Owners Steve and Jody Dunning, along with a tight-knit team, have worked tirelessly to bring this spot back to life — and judging from the crowd at their soft opening, the community was hungry for the return.
A Legacy of Local Flavor
For years, Okie Dokies has been the place you went when you wanted ribs that fell off the bone, hushpuppies that hit the spot, and pulled pork sandwiches that reminded you why you live in WNC.
It wasn’t just a restaurant. It was a gathering place. A lunch-break legend. A post-church stop. A Thursday night hangout with music on the patio. It was the soul of Swannanoa barbecue.
And now, it’s all back — with more gratitude and grit than ever.
What People Are Saying:
“The BBQ pork was hands-down the best I’ve had since moving here. Smoky, tender, and flavorful without being heavy. You can taste the love in this food.”
“Glad they’re back. Great staff, great food, and even better people. These are the kinds of businesses that make WNC feel like home.”
“Okie Dokies never disappoints — even after a hurricane. They rebuilt with heart, and the food is every bit as good as I remember.”
Visit Again, or For the First Time
If you’ve never been to Okie Dokies, there’s never been a better time. And if you’re a longtime fan? Welcome home. The BBQ is smoking, the doors are open, and the tables are ready.
Let’s eat. Let’s support. Let’s celebrate a true Western North Carolina comeback.
Follow updates and see the latest at: https://okiedokiesbbq.com
