About Us
The Birth of Our BBQ Dream
What began as a spark — a craving for real, smoky BBQ — grew into a full-blown obsession. From backyard briskets and confused butchers to competitive cooking and smoky roadshows, our journey has been fuelled by fire, flavour, and a relentless pursuit of craft.
We didn’t just want to cook BBQ. We wanted to honour it. And so began the path that led to The Smokin’ Que — and eventually, Embers & Ashes.
Scroll down to follow our story — one bite, one flame, one dream at a time.
2013–2015
The Spark Ignites
It all started with a craving — not just for good food, but for something different.
After watching BBQ Pitmasters and taking a trip through the barbecue heartlands of Texas, we were hooked. The smoke, the tenderness, the craft — it was unlike anything back home in NZ.
Back here, we bought a Weber, asked our local butcher for a brisket (they were confused), and got to work. The results? Smoky, messy, imperfect. But the passion grew with every cook.
2016–2019
From Backyard to Battlefield
Stumbling across the NZ BBQ Alliance felt like fate. Suddenly, we weren’t just BBQ-obsessed weirdos — we were part of something bigger.
We joined a competitive team, spent weekends beside the smoker, and soaked up every lesson in timing, fire control, and flavour.
In 2019, we entered New Zealand’s biggest BBQ comp. Among 56 teams — including international legends — we placed 3rd overall and 2nd-best Kiwi team. The obsession had turned into something real.
2020–2021
The Smokin’ Que is Born
Competition BBQ is incredible — and incredibly expensive.
To keep chasing it, we started catering as The Smokin’ Que. What began as a side hustle quickly picked up steam. Events, weddings, meat-loving crowds — all drawn to the flavours we’d spent years honing.
Partnering with Pure South and Lumina took things up a notch. The meat quality improved, and so did our vision for what was possible.
2022–2023
Adding Fuel to the Fire
We expanded. More trailers. A chiller truck. One of NZ’s biggest commercial BBQs joined the team.
But it wasn’t just about gear. We flew back to the US for a deep dive — exploring steak in Australia and soaking up BBQ culture in Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
At NASA’s Johnson Space Center, one phrase stood out: Failure is not an option. That became our fuel.
2024
Embers & Ashes Takes Root
After years on the road, we finally put down roots.
Embers & Ashes opened as a permanent home for the fire — a place where smoke meets refinement. It’s a restaurant, yes, but also a tribute to the grind, the graft, and the growth.
Every detail reflects the journey. Every plate tells a story.
Today
Come Taste the Story
This is more than just BBQ.
It’s a decade of dreams, mistakes, milestones, and meat — all brought together in one smoky, welcoming space.
Come take a seat by the fire. Let the flavours speak for themselves.
12 years of good low and slow
