The moment has nearly arrived: after a devastating blow from Hurricane Helene that tore through Western North Carolina in September 2024, the beloved BBQ institution Okie Dokies Smokehouse in Swannanoa is gearing up to throw open its doors again. For many in the region this isn’t just a restaurant reopening — it’s a revival of community, tradition, hope and of course, authentic wood‑smoked barbecue.
From Pit to Promise — Okie Dokies Smokehouse Rises Again in Swannanoa
A Legacy Carved in Smoke
Founded by entrepreneur and pit‑master Steve Dunning, the Okie Dokies story begins in the mid‑1990s. According to their website, Steve began in 1996 managing a family‑owned BBQ restaurant, then a few years later launched his own food truck called “The Red Wagon.”
By 2007, the truck days were behind him and Okie Dokies Smokehouse opened its brick‑and‑mortar in Swannanoa.
Over time it earned its stripes: low‑and‑slow, wood‑fired smokers (up to 18 hours), house‑made dry rubs, and that smoky, tender meat that locals (and visitors) still talk about.
Media attention followed: it was featured in cookbooks and barbecue guides, a sign that Okie Dokies had become more than just a stop off U.S.‑70 — it became a regional icon.
The Storm & the Setback
Then came Hurricane Helene. The storm’s floodwaters and destructive power did serious damage across Swannanoa and the Asheville region, including at Okie Dokies. The restaurant’s building was damaged, the business disrupted, many homes in the community affected, and the ripple effects were felt by staff, patrons and neighbors alike.
According to a news piece, Steve Dunning shared: “We have been working nonstop since Helene to rebuild our restaurant while at the same time making repairs to our home from stormwater damage.” Because of insurance limitations and contractor demand in the surge of rebuilding in the region, reopening has taken longer than anyone hoped.
The Comeback & What’s Ahead
But here’s the good news: Okie Dokies is a couple of weeks away from reopening. The sense of anticipation is high — for the staff, the neighborhood, the region, and BBQ lovers. This is a true comeback story.
The remodel isn’t just repair‑work: updates are planned (for example, enclosing the porch for more year‑round seating) alongside the restoration of what people know and love.
You Can Be Part of the Revival
What does this mean for you? If you’re in the Asheville region or planning a visit, now’s the time to rally around this institution:
- They are NOW HIRING. Whether you’re looking for a job in the service/food industry or know someone who is, Okie Dokies is rebuilding its team — some staff stayed, others moved on, so there are real opportunities.
- For your business, your team, or your holiday gatherings: plan ahead now. Catering? Lunch orders? Great excuse to bring the BBQ to the office.
- For food lovers: go, eat, support. Show up at the reopening, bring friends, wave the flag for local business, local flavor, local resilience.
Why It Matters
In a time when many small businesses are still struggling to recover, when communities are still picking up the pieces after major storms, this reopening is a beacon. It’s a tangible sign that the Western North Carolina food scene is alive, strong, and still deeply rooted in heart and heritage.
For Swannanoa and beyond, Okie Dokies isn’t just about ribs — it’s about revival.
So from all of us at To Asheville & Beyond: love, prayers, hope to the entire Swannanoa community. We’ll see you soon at Okie Dokies — ready for the smoke, the flavor, and the joy of something very good coming back to life.
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