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How It All Started...

'I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, specifically in the West End area. My passion for cooking began at the age of five, when I learned foundational skills from my grandmother, Frankie Reed, and my mother, Eva Reed, both of whom played a significant role in shaping my love for food and hospitality. After earning a four-year bachelor’s degree in Accounting, I began my professional career working for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In 2014, I made the decision to leave my position and pursue my entrepreneurial passion, starting my business by selling barbecue plates from the back of my truck. Through dedication and hard work, I quickly built a loyal customer base and began establishing my brand.Two years later, I secured a permanent home base at 336 McDaniel Street in the heart of the Castleberry Hill district. This location allowed me to reconnect with existing customers while attracting new clientele. Building on this growth, I expanded from a single home-based operation and, in 2020, successfully advanced my business by launching an official food truck.

-Courtney Swinney (Owner) 

Y'all know I gotta put yall on to the best of the best when it comes to food and that's exactly why I had to take a trip to the east side to see what @smokezsoulfood was talking about for their grand opening of their newest location when I tell yall they did not disappoint!

 

Everything was sooooo good, seasoned and cooked to perfection, and kept our mouths watering.

When I tell yall them beef ribs was sooooo good me and my sister literally was fighting over a bite bc she kept coming for mine after she cleaned her bone clean…(lol) 

The fish was fried to perfection and very fresh yall already know I had to hit it with some coleslaw and bread 2 and don't even get me started on the yams and fried turkey ribs

 

But don't just take my word for it. Make sure y'all go visit @smokezsoulfood at 1972 Candler Rd and don't forget to let them know @so.sincereee sent you!!!

(Instagram @ sosincereee) 

(Instagram@) gourmetangile 

Atl check out @czsmokezbbq for some good ol smoked bbq !! I literally enjoyed all the smoked meats, I tried the beef ribs, pork ribs, rib tips, whole wings and the fried catfish. Everything was flavorful let's talk about those sides they were to good. I had the Mac and cheese, collard greens, yams, potato salad, and coleslaw. Definitely check them out if your craving a good bbq spot !!!

 

(Instagram @)

kayrenae81

Most definitely the best bbq l've ever had !

(Instagram @) 

atlantafoodguy

@czsmokezbbq serving the good people of East Atlanta some good home style bbq, it make you feel like your auntie & uncle throwing down!


They keep the chicken and beef separate from pork during the smoking and cutting process and the baked beans have ground beef and the collards are cooked with smoked turkey.


The beef ribs were good I added sweet & spicy and Carolina gold sauce on them, the mac and baked beans are good but you gotta finish off your meal with that peach cobbler it's so damn good!!

© 2026 by ShaylaJProductions 

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