About Big Shanty Smokehouse

In December 2007 Chic Dillard was driving through downtown Kennesaw and spotted a little “Shanty” for rent on Cherokee Street. It looked like the perfect spot for a BBQ joint. Sixty days later the best smokehouse in Georgia was open for business.

Chic has been in the restaurant business for over 30 years. He held positions as an Executive Chef, General Manager, & Director of Operations for a variety of concepts. He opened his restaurant consulting business in 1992 and assisted many local businesses improve efficiency & profitability.

To staff the restaurant Chic recruited 2 of the best in the business – his wife Sissy and daughter Shannon. Sissy left her position at Buffalo’s Cafe where she had been since 1993 assisting the franchise in opening locations across the country in addition to her daily bartending and managing duties. Daughter Shannon followed in the family footsteps working in various restaurants; with over 16 years of experience she is well versed in both the front and back of the house. Shannon has earned quite a reputation for her Pastry skills and won the “Best Dessert” award at the 2009 “Taste of Kennesaw” for her Coconut Cake. Unfortunately Shannon was diagnosed with MS in 2012 which has prevented her from taking over the reigns as originally intended.

Cooking is a passion for the Dillard family. Service and execution are second nature and you will be treated as a guest in their home. Their commitment to cleanliness, food quality and service will exceed your expectations. Eleven perfect Health Inspections is a badge of honor for the Smokehouse.

Big Shanty Smokehouse quickly gained recognition from locals and “BBQ gurus”, and was voted “Best BBQ in Atlanta” on urbanspoon.com in January 2009 after only 11 month’s of operation. The restaurant held the #1 Ranking for the entire year. AJC’s food critic Jon Watson reviewed the restaurant in Nov. 2010. He described the food as “some of the best BBQ to come out of Georgia.” In September 2011 he wrote “Big Shanty Smokehouse has established itself as one of the top destinations for smoked meats in Atlanta.” Trip Adviser has awarded them the “Certificate of Excellence”

In addition to the BBQ staples the Dillard’s flaunt their culinary talents with a wide variety of daily special entrees, sides and desserts. Smoked Pork Belly, Prime Rib, Beef Bologna, Duck & Turkey Ribs make regular appearances on the specials board. Sissy’s famous Mac & Cheese is available every Friday & Saturday.

Catering is quickly becoming a big part of the Smokehouse business as clients and their guests experience the quality and professionalism offered by the Dillard’s. Our smokehouse caters traditional BBQ and smoked meats, as well as providing gourmet meals featuring Beef Tenderloin, Prime Rib, Beef Short Ribs, Pork Belly and Smoked Duck along with a wide variety of sides items and desserts. Many of these items are offered as daily specials – so check our specials page daily and visit us regularly.

The commitment to serving quality products is evident in every menu item at Big Shanty Smokehouse. One visit and you will see why this restaurant has earned the reputation as the “Best in Atlanta”.

Open Weds-Thurs 11-2, Fri.- Sat 11-7, Sun-Tues Closed