About Murdock Smokeworks
Barbecue Worth Bragging About
I’m Jamie — founder, pitmaster, and the guy who shows up with the smoker. Murdock Smokeworks exists to bring handcrafted Kansas City–style barbecue to Northeast Ohio — the kind of food people remember and talk about long after the fire’s gone out.
I didn’t fall into this. I chose it — after years of fast-moving, high-pressure work that never felt grounded. This is different. This is real. Fire, smoke, time, and pride. That’s what built this.
Our mission
At Murdock Smokeworks, our mission is to serve handcrafted Kansas City–style barbecue that’s bold, honest, and unforgettable.
We don’t follow trends or cut corners — we honor the craft through time, smoke, and intention. Whether it’s a backyard party or a hundred-person wedding, we’re here to feed people well and make it damn good every time.
We Don’t Serve Anything We Wouldn’t Eat Ourselves
Authenticity
We don’t chase trends. We stick to what made Kansas City barbecue great — real smoke, real time, and recipes built on patience, not shortcuts. If it doesn’t taste like something we grew up on, it doesn’t go on your plate.
Quality
We use premium cuts, real wood, and ingredients we’d serve at our own table. This isn’t mass production — it’s hand-trimmed, slow-cooked, and built to make people shut up and eat.
Community
We’re proud to serve Akron and the folks around it. From fundraisers to family gatherings, we bring the fire wherever it’s needed — and we support the people who show up.
Customer Experience
We show up early. We serve it hot. And we don’t leave until your guests are fed and full. Whether it’s 15 people or 150, we give every event our full attention.
Innovation
We respect tradition — but we’re not stuck in it. From cheese sauces to sliders to new ways to serve old favorites, we’re always dialing in flavor that hits harder than expected.
We don’t just feed crowds — we build barbecue worth bragging about.
Experience authentic Kansas City BBQ right here in Akron. Let Jamie Murdock cater your next event with smoky, delicious flavors crafted to perfection.