By Amy Howe
Smokey Racks BBQ is more than just a restaurant—it’s a testament to passion, resilience and the love of great food. Founded in a humble garden shed by Jared Sharpe, Smokey Racks has evolved into a beloved barbecue haven under the stewardship of Celeste Baker and her husband Ray, who acquired it in May 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Smokey Racks BBQ offers a mouth-watering array of meats, including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, turkey, chicken, pork loin, hot links, Italian sausage, smoked meatloaf, chili and ham. Each meat is smoked to perfection, promising a taste that keeps customers coming back for more.
“We have pretty extensive sides,” Celeste says, listing options like baked beans, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, scalloped potatoes, deviled egg potato salad and sweet potato casserole.
For those with a sweet tooth, Smokey Racks doesn’t disappoint. The dessert menu includes chocolate chip cookies, macadamia and white chocolate cookies, snickerdoodles, smoked peanut butter cookies and so much more.
After acquiring the business, the Bakers faced a significant setback when a fire closed the restaurant for several months. Just as they were preparing to reopen, Celeste faced a life-threatening illness. In November 2021, she was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis and underwent multiple surgeries to save her legs.
“I spent 10 days in ICU in a medically induced coma and had five surgeries within the first weeks of being there,” Celeste recalls. Her recovery was long and grueling, but her determination to return to her passion never wavered. By September 2022, Smokey Racks BBQ reopened at a new location—a former three-bay carwash and radiator shop—bringing a unique charm to their establishment. “It’s not perfect but it’s perfectly flawed, just like us,” Celeste reflects.
For Celeste, owning a barbecue restaurant was a natural extension of her love for feeding people. Her journey from working at Taco Bell to mastering the art of smoking meats on a custom wood-fired smoker has been one of learning and adaptation. “I never really smoked meats before … grilling, yes, but smoking only a handful of times,” she admits. Despite the challenges, including learning the nuances of a new smoker made by Bbq Smoker Pros of Braselton, Georgia, Celeste’s dedication to quality and flavor has remained steadfast. Her hard work and passion have not gone unnoticed, as Smokey Racks BBQ was voted “Four States Finest” by KOAM TV viewers in both 2023 and 2024.
As we celebrate National Grilling Month this July, Smokey Racks BBQ stands as a beacon of what makes grilling so special—community, flavor and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. Celeste’s journey from novice to pitmaster embodies the spirit of this month-long celebration.
“I was given a second chance to get to do what I love doing, and I don’t take one minute for granted,” Celeste says. Whether you’re a barbecue enthusiast or just love a good meal, Smokey Racks BBQ invites you to join in the festivities and savor the rich, smoky flavors that have made them a local favorite.
At its core, Smokey Racks BBQ is a family. The team, described as a “big, dysfunctional family complete with jokes and sarcasm,” works tirelessly to serve up great barbecue. For Celeste, this isn’t just a job; it’s her joy and peace.
“I absolutely love what I get to do. This is my joy and my peace, and I love serving the community and surrounding towns.”
“This is my joy and my peace, and I love serving the community and surrounding towns.”
— Celeste Baker