HISTORY
About Big Shanty
In the winter of 2007, the idea for Big Shanty Smokehouse began to take shape in Kennesaw, Georgia. What started as a vision to create a neighborhood barbecue spot—focused on quality, hospitality, and authentic Southern flavors—found its home in a small roadside house that would soon become a local landmark.
From the beginning,
Big Shanty Smokehouse was built to be approachable and unpretentious, serving honest barbecue in a welcoming setting. That simple formula quickly resonated with the community, earning a reputation as one of Georgia’s standout barbecue destinations.
Then and now
OUR HISTORY
How it started
December 2007
The story of Big Shanty Smokehouse began when a small "shanty" on Cherokee Street in downtown Kennesaw was transformed into a neighborhood barbecue spot. Founded by Chic and Sissy Dillard — a husband-and-wife team running a true family establishment — the smokehouse opened its doors within 60 days and quickly became a staple of the Georgia BBQ scene.
The story of Big Shanty Smokehouse began when a small "shanty" on Cherokee Street in downtown Kennesaw was transformed into a neighborhood barbecue spot. Founded by Chic and Sissy Dillard — a husband-and-wife team running a true family establishment — the smokehouse opened its doors within 60 days and quickly became a staple of the Georgia BBQ scene.
"Georgia's Best"
Just 11 months after opening, Big Shanty Smokehouse was voted “Best BBQ in Atlanta” by Urbanspoon, a distinction it held throughout the year. The restaurant also received praise from Atlanta Journal-Constitution food critic Jon Watson, further establishing Big Shanty Smokehouse as one of Georgia’s standout barbecue destinations.
OUTSTANDING AWARDS
Over more than a decade, Big Shanty Smokehouse built a reputation for quality, consistency, and community trust. The restaurant earned sustained recognition from guests and critics alike, including TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence, reflecting years of strong reviews and repeat patronage.
A New Era
Atlanta News First Golden Spatula Award
Big Shanty Smokehouse received the Golden Spatula Award from Atlanta News First, recognizing a Perfect Health Inspection Score.
New Pitmaster & Ownership Era Begins
In 2024, Big Shanty Smokehouse entered a new chapter under the leadership of Paul Holden, owner and pitmaster. Paul is also the owner of Willingham’s® World Champion BBQ, a legendary Memphis-based barbecue brand founded by BBQ Hall of Fame pitmaster John Willingham and long regarded as a standard-bearer in competitive barbecue.
Under Paul’s leadership, Big Shanty Smokehouse by Willingham's® applies championship-level technique, disciplined process, and premium ingredients—bringing the precision of competition barbecue into a community smokehouse setting.
Competitive Pedigree
The Willingham’s® competition team has earned five World Grand Championships, 24 World First Place titles, and hundreds of top-ten finishes since its beginnings in 1981. Its award-winning rubs and sauces are trusted by pitmasters, chefs, and backyard cooks nationwide.
December 2024
Big Shanty Smokehouse achieved its 17th Perfect Health Inspection Score, reinforcing a long-standing commitment to cleanliness, food safety, and operational excellence.
2025 Recognition
Best of the Best in America — Named by BBQ News Magazine for 2025
Best BBQ in Georgia — Named by 5ReasonstoVisit for 2025
Best of Cobb — Awarded by Cobb Life Magazine for 2025
Best Ribs in the South — Named by Eat This! Not That!
2026 Recognition
Best of the Best in America - Named by BBQ News Magazine for 2026
Best of Cobb — Awarded by Cobb Life Magazine for 2026
Best BBQ in Georgia — Named by 5ReasonstoVisit for 2026
Big Shanty Smokehouse received the Golden Spatula Award from Atlanta News First, recognizing a Perfect Health Inspection Score.
New Pitmaster & Ownership Era Begins
In 2024, Big Shanty Smokehouse entered a new chapter under the leadership of Paul Holden, owner and pitmaster. Paul is also the owner of Willingham’s® World Champion BBQ, a legendary Memphis-based barbecue brand founded by BBQ Hall of Fame pitmaster John Willingham and long regarded as a standard-bearer in competitive barbecue.
Under Paul’s leadership, Big Shanty Smokehouse by Willingham's® applies championship-level technique, disciplined process, and premium ingredients—bringing the precision of competition barbecue into a community smokehouse setting.
Competitive Pedigree
The Willingham’s® competition team has earned five World Grand Championships, 24 World First Place titles, and hundreds of top-ten finishes since its beginnings in 1981. Its award-winning rubs and sauces are trusted by pitmasters, chefs, and backyard cooks nationwide.
December 2024
Big Shanty Smokehouse achieved its 17th Perfect Health Inspection Score, reinforcing a long-standing commitment to cleanliness, food safety, and operational excellence.
2025 Recognition
Best of the Best in America — Named by BBQ News Magazine for 2025
Best BBQ in Georgia — Named by 5ReasonstoVisit for 2025
Best of Cobb — Awarded by Cobb Life Magazine for 2025
Best Ribs in the South — Named by Eat This! Not That!
2026 Recognition
Best of the Best in America - Named by BBQ News Magazine for 2026
Best of Cobb — Awarded by Cobb Life Magazine for 2026
Best BBQ in Georgia — Named by 5ReasonstoVisit for 2026
Good things ahead
World-champion pedigree
Today, Big Shanty Smokehouse moves forward with a clear focus on craftsmanship, consistency, and hospitality—backed by championship-level experience. Under the leadership of Paul Holden and alongside Willingham’s® World Champion BBQ, decades of competitive barbecue knowledge are applied daily at the pit.
Contact UsThe result is a smokehouse that honors Southern BBQ tradition while executing at the highest level—ensuring Big Shanty classics continue to shine, with world-class technique and discipline behind every bite.