When you walk through the doors at Buddy’s bar‑b-q today, you’ll smell the hickory-smoked meats, hear friendly chatter, and see staff quickly filling orders. Our welcoming atmosphere and signature flavors are rooted in a story of family, passion, and perseverance. Keep reading to learn more about the history of Buddy’s bar-b-q and how we grew into a beloved East Tennessee barbecue tradition.
From the Pixie Drive Inn to a New Dream
The story of Buddy’s bar-b-q begins in 1966, when Buddy Smothers decided to support his wife, LaMuriel, in her talent and ambitions. Together, they launched the Pixie Drive Inn in Seymour, Tennessee. Their combined efforts were a resounding success, and within a year business had doubled. That success prompted Buddy to leave behind his 20‑year career in finance and join LaMuriel in the restaurant business.
Because of the success of the Pixie Drive Inn, LaMuriel and Buddy decided to explore new possibilities. They sold the restaurant and set their sights on a different concept in a bigger market: Knoxville, Tennessee. They decided to take on Tennessee’s deep barbecue traditions, so they headed back to their home state of Alabama to train under their friend Bob Sikes and master the art of barbecue.
The First Buddy’s bar‑b‑q
In 1972, the first Buddy’s bar‑b‑q opened on Kingston Pike in Knoxville, Tennessee. The leased space was modest, seating only 24 people, but it was full of big dreams. During the first few months, Buddy even moved a cot into his office, working 20-hour days cooking and supervising. Within three years, the restaurant had grown so popular that he bought the building and expanded the seating capacity to 150. Word of mouth spread, and Buddy’s bar-b-q quickly became famous for serving delicious barbecue and bluegrass music.
During Knoxville’s 1982 World’s Fair, Buddy’s bar-b-q ran four concessions for six months, and the exposure helped word spread about the restaurant. Impressively, they repaid their line of credit within 30 days. It was during that period that Buddy’s perfected the taste that guests know and love today.
Growing While Staying True
Over the years, Buddy’s bar‑b‑q remained a family business. Today, it stands as a third‑generation family‑owned business with 19 locations across East Tennessee, including our very own Sevierville restaurant. Though the brand has grown, the core mission has remained consistent: providing a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere where guests can dine comfortably, whether enjoying our food in the restaurant or taking it to go.
Like other Buddy’s bar-b-q locations, our Sevierville restaurant is equipped with its own barbecue pit, and all meat is hickory‑smoked daily on site. To meet demand and provide convenience, we also have a drive-thru. Our menu continues to pay homage to tradition while inviting new ideas. Classics like the pork sandwich, beef brisket, and hushpuppies share space with newer creations like Hawg Back Fries. Meanwhile, daily and weekly specials offer even greater value.
Continuing the Buddy’s bar-b-q Legacy
Through decades of growth and change, Buddy’s bar‑b‑q has been woven into the fabric of East Tennessee’s dining scene. What began as a small drive‑in has blossomed into a regional barbecue brand that honors its roots. Every time you visit Buddy’s bar-b-q, you can expect delicious food with great value in a friendly environment that feels like home.
Stop by Buddy’s bar-b-q in Sevierville or order online to see for yourself what makes our restaurant so special!
