MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The new Smokey’s House of BBQ attracted more than 500 of Camp Pendleton’s hungry residents during its opening day, Jan. 6.
The new eatery is located in the parking lot of the base’s bowling alley and accompanies their other locations at Dana Point and Oxnard, Calif. The restaurant offers numerous entrees such as baby back ribs, pulled-pork sandwiches and several chicken platters.
Although Smokey’s now has a permanent place on base, this is not Pendleton’s first taste of the food chain. The barbecue restaurant first made their debut on base during last year’s Beach Bash and World Famous Mud Run.
“We made such a huge impact during those events that we couldn’t resist officially becoming part of the base,” said Bert Kurland, catering manager, Smokey’s House of BBQ. “We love to cook barbecue and especially if it’s for those who fight for our country.”
The construction of an operational facility on base included one year of dedicated planning with the base’s Marine Corps Community Services and the building of a custom mobile diner.
“The hard work and dedication of the MCCS employees made this all possible,” said Allen Kurland, manager of Smokey’s House of BBQ. “When you work with the military there are huge differences. Their planning, logistics and communication skills are very impressive.”
Although Smokey’s is up and running, there are still a few more adjustments the management plans on making to the facility in the future.
“Right now we are in the process of getting tables, chairs, canopies and music for the customers,” Allen said. “The Marines and sailors of this base fight for the rights that give us the privilege to open up a business such as this.”
For more information about Smokey’s menu, contact Allen Kurland at 949-636-6386.