Started BBQ as a hobby in our backyard
About Smokey D's BBQ
Smokey D’s BBQ was founded in 2006 by Darren and Sherry Warth. Their passion for BBQ and success on the BBQ circuit led them into the restaurant and catering business.
Our success in competition BBQ has centered around consistency, turning in the same quality product week after week. That same consistency, quality along with affordability, have made us Central Iowa’s place for Championship BBQ.
Thanks for visiting!
Darren, Trophy Acquisition Manager
Sherry, Upper Management
From Backyard Smokers to Championship BBQ
Smokey D’s BBQ didn’t start as a restaurant—it started with a smoker, a backyard, and a commitment to doing barbecue the right way.
What began as a small catering operation quickly turned into something bigger. After years of refining recipes, competing, and building a reputation, Smokey D’s grew into one of the most recognized BBQ names in Iowa. Today, that same approach still drives everything we do: real wood smoke, house-made rubs, and meat cooked low and slow every single day.
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Through the Years with Smokey D's BBQ
NO SHORTCUTS. JUST REAL BBQ.
A Local Favorite in Des Moines
Barbecue isn’t something you rush—and we don’t try to.
Everything is smoked on-site using time-tested methods, with a focus on getting the flavor right from the start.
Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, picking up dinner, or ordering catering for a large group, the goal is always the same: serve great barbecue without cutting corners. Over time, that commitment has made Smokey D’s a regular stop for locals and a destination for visitors looking for real BBQ in Iowa.
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