For Shawn Smith, owner of The Jewelers by day and pitmaster by night, cooking has always been more than a pastime—it’s therapy. Growing up, food was at the center of family gatherings, especially the big annual barbecue that always fell on his birthday weekend. That’s where his very first sauce recipe was tasted, a tangy vinegar-based blend that years later became his signature Smitty’s Small Batch.
What started in Mason jars and recycled containers soon became too popular to keep as just a hobby. Friends and family raved, and by 2007 Shawn was selling barbecue on the side of the road. The response was overwhelming. “That’s when I knew I was on to something bigger,” he recalls.
Today, Hush Piggies has grown into a go-to brand for serious grillers. The lineup includes bold sauces and rubs, but Shawn still favors the original. “Smitty’s Small Batch is my favorite. It’s no-sweet, vinegar-based, and I use it for everything—marinades, baste, seasoning, even in spaghetti or on tacos.”
The brand’s cult favorite, Meat Candy, has taken on a life of its own. Parents report their kids are trying new foods just because of the name. Shawn laughs, “It’s not just for meat—try it on corn on the cob or potatoes.”
Balancing jewelry design with barbecue might seem unlikely, but for Shawn, both are fueled by creativity and passion. “They harness different sides of me,” he says. “Having both helps me stay grounded.”
For backyard cooks looking to up their game, Shawn’s advice is simple: brine your chicken. “Use chicken stock and cola—or even pickle juice—with Meat Candy. It’s the best, juiciest chicken you’ll ever make.”
Locally, you’ll find Hush Piggies in boutiques across Lebanon, and online at hushpiggies.com. With new sauces and spices in the works, Shawn promises there’s more flavor on the horizon.