BBQ Smokewagon

Henry Marizetts, Owner

During October of 2019, Henry opened his first-generation, family-owned restaurant featuring meat that is smoked daily and homemade side dishes.  

“The smell tells it all,” said Henry with a smile. 

This statement also hints at Mr. Marizetts’ Greenville, Mississippi roots.

Henry offers three main points on a mental checklist when going into business:

1.  Do your homework.

2. Make sure you have funding; know that it is hard for a Black person to get.

3. Get your recipes together.

This restaurant owner has wisely used his unique location at the former Sonic’s in East Peoria to host a weekly car show on Fridays from 5:00 p.m. –  8:00 p.m. featuring both older models and new whips. Henry’s future goals include offering live blues and jazz bands. Mr. Marizetts also owns a food truck that he uses to “meet and greet” potential customers.

Henry’s wife is his right-hand and his Mother is his biggest supporter.  He wants potential customers to know that this is a family-owned business, not a franchise.  The Marizetts are working hard to provide quality bar-b-que as a healthier choice than a national franchise.

“The smile on people’s faces when they taste my bar-b-que, that’s my ultimate goal,” said Henry.