When it comes to American culture, barbecue is as deeply woven into our food history as apple pie—maybe even more, depending on who you ask.
From backyard cookouts and spirited tailgates to milestone birthdays and family celebrations, the thrill of the grill and the slow patience of the smoker continue to captivate. The barbecue world keeps delivering—hits, pits, and all.
Morris County native Kevin Smith, owner of American BBQ in Denville, understands that appeal firsthand. With three decades in the business, Smith saw an opportunity early on and wasn’t afraid to strike the match.
“We recognized an underserved niche for outdoor catering,” he said.
Founded in 1996, American BBQ began with a focus on gourmet barbecue events of all sizes, both indoors and out, long before elevated outdoor catering became commonplace. At a time when fast-casual dining was reshaping mall culture, barbecue—despite its deep American roots dating back to explorer John Lederer’s 1672 travel writings—had yet to achieve the elevated, experience-driven reputation it enjoys today.
Smith recognized that barbecue could be more than casual fare—it could anchor meaningful gatherings, milestone moments, and professionally executed events without losing its soul.
Through the haze of pop culture and possibility, Smith saw where barbecue was headed…and Bobby Flay would likely approve.
The business grew slowly and deliberately, starting with the essentials: ribs, barbecue chicken, and pulled pork—quality always taking precedence over quantity. That commitment to quality remains central today, paired with a wide range of themed menus designed to suit nearly any occasion. Think pig roasts, clambakes, Southern-style spreads, Latin flavors, and more.
That’s not to dismiss the nostalgia of a traditional backyard barbecue—the beer-clutching dads, the charred burgers, and the easy familiarity. Even that image has evolved, with moms now manning the grill just as confidently.
But larger gatherings, family or otherwise, often call for professional help. A catered barbecue elevates an event through both flavor and experience—without the cost or constraints of a banquet hall.
For in-home events, American BBQ brings the entire operation directly to the host. Their friendly, experienced staff arrives with their own grills and canopy, preparing food fresh on site using high-quality ingredients and presenting a beautifully arranged buffet.
From setup to cleanup, the team manages every detail—freeing hosts to enjoy their guests instead of managing logistics. Disposable plates, utensils, equipment, and service are all included, leaving behind nothing but satisfied guests and lasting memories.
And despite its outdoor roots, the company operates year-round and also offers traditional catering.
“In October we feature an Oktoberfest menu and Thanksgiving and Christmas are also big,” he explained.
Seasonal celebrations stay front and center. As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, Smith is preparing menus featuring everything but the Guinness—corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips, Shepherd’s pie, and more.
An all-occasion caterer, American BBQ has served weddings, graduations, christenings, corporate events, school functions, and celebrations of life—adapting menus, scale, and service style to suit each gathering.
“There was a memorable event a few years ago—a reunion of Vietnam Veteran fighter pilots."
The company has even bridged generations.
“I recently had a customer looking to book us for his wedding,” he said. “He told us that we had catered his parents’ wedding, his first birthday and high school graduation. [It] makes you realize that you must be doing something right.”
For Smith, longevity isn’t measured solely in years, but in the moments his food helps bring to life. From intimate backyard gatherings to large-scale celebrations, American BBQ has become part of the fabric of countless milestones—quietly present, consistently reliable, and deeply rooted in community.
As trends shift and tastes evolve, the heart of the business remains unchanged: good food, thoughtfully prepared, and shared in meaningful ways. It’s that combination of craft, care, and connection that continues to keep American BBQ relevant—one gathering, one generation, and one fire-lit celebration at a time.