David Oehlman lives in the kitchen. Born and raised in Los Angeles, David has been cooking since 1990. His eponymous franchise, Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ & Brew, began in 2007 in Estes Park, though he has lived in Colorado since 1995. In February of this year, Greeley became the latest city to join Lyons, Longmont, and Denver as a host to Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ.
Despite David’s longstanding personal connection to Greeley—his daughter attended the University of Northern Colorado—he knew the city only in passing, as a stop along the drive out east. But Weld County called to him. When David saw 819 9th St., the building that would become Smokin’ Dave’s, he instantly and absolutely fell in love with it. The interior boasts original tin ceiling tiles (as seen in other downtown Greeley buildings) and the iconic set of ceiling fans on a rotating belt.
Cat Oehlman, David’s wife, was an integral part of opening the Greeley location—she supervised the interior design, which involved repainting and renovating the plumbing, electrical, and kitchen equipment. The pair wanted to keep the charm of the building, so they didn’t disturb many of the original elements.
Greeley appealed to the Oehlmans because of its perfect size. The city was big enough to establish Smokin’ Dave’s on its own terms but small enough that they could make a difference in the lives of their employees and the community as a whole. Smokin’ Dave’s sponsors the Colorado Grit Hockey team, and David hopes to partner with other sports teams, high schools, and events in the city.
For the last 35 years, David has learned and cooked as a “back of house guy.” His culinary experience means all the meat preparation methods, recipes, and even four house sauces are all his own creation. David is proud of all the restaurant's beef options; his expansive business allows him to partner with cattle companies and farmers to affordably source all his products. Of the entire menu, ribs are David’s favorite because he “likes to get down and dirty with them!” He particularly likes “when the baked beans and coleslaw intertwine on the plate.”
David’s passion for food and meticulous training establish Colorado in the ranks of Barbecue States. Stop by Smokin’ Dave’s so you, too, can fall in love with the building’s architecture and Cat’s interior design. Try one, two, or all four house sauces; mix them with your ribs and side dishes—just as David does—and taste for yourself why all of Colorado is raving about Smokin’ Dave's BBQ.