The Smokin' Silverback Brings Delicious BBQ to Kasson

KASSON, MN – A new aroma is wafting through Kasson, and it's the unmistakable scent of slow-smoked barbecue. The Smokin’ Silverback, a comfort barbecue restaurant, has recently opened its doors in the heart of town, bringing with it a taste of home-style cooking and a whole lot of flavor.

I caught up with owner Ben Meyer to learn more about the story behind Smokin Silverback and its recent move to Kasson. Meyer, who was inspired by his mother's years as a cook and his father's love for cooking, explained that his passion for food was "in his blood."

"I've always been interested in cooking," Meyer said. "I just kind of picked it up."

The "Silverback" moniker, he revealed, came from a playful joke about his burly father and his original barbecue sauce recipe. The image, a "silverback" rendition of his father, stuck, and the name was born.

Meyer's culinary journey began in earnest about 15 years ago when he decided to switch careers from mechanics to cooking. He honed his skills in competition barbecue and expanded his knowledge of various cuisines, always keeping barbecue and comfort food at his core.

Ben and The Smokin Silverback's journey started in Owatonna, operating out of a strip mall location.Despite the success in Owatonna, Meyer felt the need to expand. A fortuitous phone call and a drive through Kasson led him to the former restaurant location, now the new home of The Smokin Silverback.

"We started with a hole in the wall, and we just kind of grew out of it," Meyer said. "It wasn't sufficient for what we wanted to do. We wanted to evolve and do more than what we were doing."

Kasson residents can expect the same beloved menu items from the Owatonna location, including their popular ribs and brisket. "Those are probably our top two," Meyer said. "And since we moved in here, our burger sales have gone just out of the roof."

However, Meyer plans to expand the menu, promising a diverse range of comfort food beyond barbecue. "You never know what you're going to get when you come in here," he teased.

The Smokin Silverback is open six days a week and offers online ordering through their website, www.smokinsilverback.com. You can also find them on Facebook. Looking ahead, Meyer plans to open the saloon next door, further expanding the restaurant's offerings.

With the promise of delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere, Smokin Silverback is sure to become a local favorite in Kasson. Welcome to the neighborhood!

Location: 504 Mantorville Ave S Kasson, MN 55944