After 50 years, Smokey John’s revamps its brisket game

Summary by The Dallas Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Lauren Drewes Daniels, Dallas Observer · August 26, 2026 · 1 min read

In addition to a shiny new smoker, the owners have changed they way they trim briskets allowing for more offerings.

Why this matters in The Dallas

The revamp of Smokey John's brisket game comes as a welcome development for barbecue enthusiasts in the Dallas area. With its new smoker and revised brisket trimming process, the beloved institution is poised to offer a fresh take on a classic Texas staple. This move is particularly significant for the small incorporated city of Dallas, which is surrounded by the larger city and shares its culinary identity. As the city's residents continue to navigate the complexities of living within a larger metropolitan area, the preservation and evolution of local eateries like Smokey John's takes on added importance. The fact that Smokey John's is adapting to changing tastes and preferences while remaining committed to its barbecue roots suggests a deep understanding of the local palate and a desire to remain a vital part of the community.

About this story

Original reporting by Dallas Observer. The Dallas selects stories from publishers’ feeds, summarises them, and links back to the publisher that reported them. We add no reporting of our own. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit Dallas Observer. Have a tip or correction? Contact the editor.

Category: News · Published: August 26, 2026 · Source: Dallas Observer · Reading time: 1 min

About this coverage

Every story on The Dallas is curated and checked against the original publisher's reporting, and contextualized for our readers. We do not republish full articles — we link back to the source, summarize the key facts under fair use, and add the local or topical relevance that our audience needs. Our editorial standards and corrections policy are public: see thedallas.org/editorial-standards.

About The Dallas

The Dallas is published by Nexcom Media as part of the Nexcom Media Network. We launched in 2024 and have grown to cover Dallas TX news, Dallas Independent School District, Skyline High School, Dallas. Our reporting is self-funded by its founders to date; no display ads are currently served, and any future advertising or sponsorships will be clearly labeled — never editorial pay-to-play. Read our ownership disclosures at thedallas.org/ownership.

Stay informed

More stories from our newsroom

Trackdown: East Oak Cliff homicide suspect takes off on foot after convenience store shooting

Builders FirstSource Teams Up With AI Startup Digs on ‘Digital Twin’ Platform for Homes

After 50 years, Smokey John’s revamps its brisket game

Patented: BuzzBallz’s Pop-Top Cocktail Container and 158 More Inventions Across North Texas

Most anticipated concerts of 2026

Dallas County confirms measles case with 3 locations for exposure

Thieves keep targeting same East Dallas blocks & vehicles; ‘Nothing left to steal'

Thrust Flight Takes Its Pilot Training East in Hampton University Partnership

AI Cybersecurity Boom Pushes TrendAI Past $1B in Sales on AWS Marketplace

Why some THC drinks are still legal in Texas — and what it means for Dallas craft brewers

Dallas activists say they’re ‘not scared’ as security questions remain for Republican convention

Pedestrian killed in hit-and-run crash on I-35E in Dallas

Parents are giving up green card fights to get their kids out of immigrant jail

In the era of vouchers, school districts are trying their best to reel in new students

Marcus leaning on defense early as young offense gets up to speed

Hebron leaning on veteran QB to acclimate overall young offense

Audit: Texas Education Agency bureaucracy expands under Abbott

North Texas wildfire burns 80,000 acres, is 12% contained

Dallas skyline turns pink as Texas mourns Dolly Parton

H-E-B and Dallas Cowboys team up for Texas-sized partnership

Behind Texas’ rising illicit massage business industry

4 North Texas cities among top 10 real estate markets, report says

Number of Texas OB-GYNs holding steady in post-Roe environment, data suggests

North Texas brothel busts are big money – but not for victims

Ranking the top 100 Dallas-area high school football teams for 2026

Ross Fire damages historic Scout camp as containment reaches 12%

Texas legislators, don't California our Texas veterans

North Texas under heat advisory Wednesday as triple-digit temperatures continue

'Inferno' wildfire rages across North Texas as extreme heat raises fire risk across region

Lane closures on IH-35E following auto-pedestrian crash

Pecan Fire burns 56 acres near Decatur as North Texas wildfire threat continues

Los Angeles couple confronts their surrogate in Texas court as dispute over newborn escalates

Texas wildfires: What to know about damage, evacuations and path

Dallas estimates $1.8M security cost for the upcoming Republican National Convention

North Texas reflects on the loss of country music icon Dolly Parton

North Texas wildfire mushrooms in hours, ripping through ranchlands in Palo Pinto, Jack counties

Trump to headline RNC Midterm Convention in Dallas as 2026 programming announced

May 1, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Cole Hutson (68) on the field during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Urban Tandoori Pizza opening soon in Richardson

Salad and bowl restaurant, Flower Child, to open second Plano location near Legacy area