For nearly 20 years, local residents, families, groups, and visitors have been enjoying the delicious tastes of smoked meats, barbeque and side dishes, and a variety of live music in Fenton.
Phil Canup and his daughter Lisa Reading purchased the restaurant in 2011. The award-winning restaurant—known for its live Blues and Jazz music and signature smoked BBQ was behind the gas station on North Road at Torrey Road.
Knowing their lease at the North Road location would likely not be renewed, Phil and Lisa decided to relocate. At the same time, the owner of the popular Johnny’s Restaurant and Pizzeria at 1492 N. LeRoy St. in Fenton, just a couple of miles away, was looking to retire. Phil said they bought the property and began the complicated process of moving.
Beale St. Smokehouse BBQ is a three-generation family run restaurant in Fenton. Shown here are (L to R) Matt Reading, Emma Reading, Phil Canup and Lisa Reading.
“It was a challenging time,” Phil recalled. Before they could reopen the building as Beale St. Smokehouse BBQ, they had to complete several costly upgrades, which delayed their reopening by several months. During that time, they continued operating out of their old space to serve loyal customers.
The family loves the new and improved location. Lisa said that when Beale St. was behind the gas station, some people had trouble finding the restaurant—unless, of course, the smokers were running and the smell of hickory-smoked meats led the way.
Lisa leads the way with running the family business and it’s managed by her son, Matt Reading and her daughter, Emma Reading.
Phil himself books the bands—about 18 total—and handles all of the restaurant’s graphic design. He and his wife, Linda, enjoy traveling south during part of the winter, but Phil says he knows the restaurant is in good hands when they’re away. Musical offerings include a variety of genres: Blues, Bluegrass, Jazz, and even ’80s and ’90s pop. “We have a good mix,” he said.
Mike Cobley, also known as “Painter Mike,” is the artist who painted their outside murals.
The restaurant uses three Old Hickory smokers, which run on-site nearly around the clock. They also use a commercial-grade rotisserie. Beale St. smokes its brisket and pork butts overnight for 14 hours, while the chicken and ribs are smoked during the day. They serve real Southern Style Memphis barbecue seasoned with a dry rub.
Fan favorites include the ribs and brisket. Beale St. has won awards for both its ribs and its BBQ.
Also on the menu: wings.
While Beale St. isn’t a traditional sports bar with a lot of TVs, they still sell a huge amount of wings on game days. With a variety of sauces and dry rubs available, “We get a lot of orders on game day. They’re better than any other in town,” he said.
Newcomers are encouraged to start with the ribs and chicken. Lisa mentioned they switched chicken suppliers a few years ago, opting for smaller birds that are juicier, more flavorful, and better at absorbing the smoke. To complement the entrees, the menu offers a range of side dishes including cornbread, green beans, collard greens, baked beans, and more. Their cornbread even transforms into dessert when deep-fried and drizzled with raspberry sauce.
This fall, Beale St. will be offering seasonal specials including smoked meatloaf and fresh house-made, hand-battered chicken tenders. They also serve delicious burgers. For those who can’t decide what to try first, customers can build their own combo plates featuring a variety of meats.
The front of the restaurant features a banquet room that can accommodate over 50 guests for buffet-style meals. Beale St. also offers catering services, which are especially busy during the spring and summer for graduation parties and weddings.
As a family focused business, Lisa said they are thankful for their long-time employees, including Heidie Wingle, the waitstaff leader, and Melanie Beaman, who handles kitchen prep and supply ordering.
“We also support local music and the arts,” Phil said. “The Fenton Arts Council regularly displays art shows at the restaurant.”
And if you discover a favorite sauce or rub while dining, be sure to grab an extra bottle to take home!
Find their menu and live entertainment info at bealestsmokehouse.com.
