For Daryl Gilfillan, the man behind Smokey D’s, the journey did not start with a grand business plan. It started with frustration, a desire for something more, and the decision to finally bet on himself.

What followed is the kind of story Jefferson County knows well. Long days, hard lessons, family support, and a willingness to take a risk when it mattered most.

A Family Foundation

Smokey D’s was not built from scratch. It was built from generations.

On one side, Daryl learned the business mindset from his grandfather, an entrepreneur who always had something going. On the opposite side, he grew up watching his other grandfather cook barbecue for the entire family at gatherings and reunions.

Those early memories stuck with him. Long before Smokey D’s existed, the foundation was already there. It was built in backyard cookouts, family traditions, and the simple idea of bringing people together over good food.

“It really came from both sides. The business side and the barbecue side. It all came together.”

Even the flavors carry that legacy. A vinegar-based marinade used throughout his menu traces back to family roots in Missouri. Today, it is worked into everything from meats to sides.

Taking the Leap

The decision to start Smokey D’s did not come from one single moment. It built over time.

After years of working in kitchens and learning the business, Daryl reached a point where he knew he wanted something of his own. His time at previous jobs gave him valuable experience in everything from meat cutting to catering operations.

With that support, and encouragement from family, Daryl purchased his first smoker and got to work.

What started as a leap of faith quickly turned into something more.

In the early days, Smokey D’s set up at local spots around Jefferson County and sold out almost immediately.

Building a Following

Growth came quickly, but it was not by accident.

Daryl leaned into social media early, using giveaways and consistent posting to build a loyal audience. Within a year, Smokey D’s had thousands of followers and a growing base of repeat customers.

But what keeps people coming back is not just the marketing. It is the food.

Signature items like pulled pork, pork belly burnt ends, and oversized pork steaks have become local favorites.

From the wood used in the smoker to the way each cut is prepared, every detail is intentional. That consistency, paired with a distinct flavor profile, is what has helped Smokey D’s stand out in a crowded barbecue scene.

The Challenges of the Road

Running a food truck comes with freedom, but also unpredictability.

One of the biggest challenges has not been the food. It has been finding consistent locations.

Weather adds another layer of difficulty. Rain, extreme heat, and seasonal swings can all impact turnout and sales.

Despite those challenges, Jefferson County has remained the backbone of the business.

“Jefferson County has been very supportive.”

More Than Just Barbecue

For Daryl, great barbecue is about more than flavor. It is about experience.

That philosophy shows up in how Smokey D’s operates, especially during catering events, which he says are his favorite part of the business.

“I like the one-on-one interaction. Hearing people say the food was great. That’s what I enjoy the most.”

Whether it is a wedding, business event, or community gathering, the goal is always the same. Complete satisfaction.

Supporting Local

One thing that stands out about Smokey D’s has nothing to do with the food.

Instead of covering his trailer in flashy graphics or promotions for himself, Daryl chose to do something different. He filled it with logos from other local businesses.

For Daryl, supporting other businesses is just part of the mission. From day one, he has made an effort to promote other local companies, share their work, and help them grow alongside him.

It is a small detail, but it says a lot about how Smokey D’s was built and why it continues to grow. In Jefferson County, relationships matter. And for Daryl, business has always been about more than just the bottom line.

Looking Ahead

Now, Smokey D’s is preparing for its next chapter.

Daryl is working toward opening a permanent location that would combine a carryout-style restaurant with a deli and meat-cutting operation.

The vision is simple. Keep the quality high, expand the offering, and stay rooted in the community that helped build the brand.

A Story of Redemption

Behind the business is a deeper story. It is one of transformation.

Daryl openly shares that he spent years battling addiction before turning his life around. Today, he credits his faith for where he is now.

That perspective shapes everything, from how he runs his business, to how he treats his customers, to the way he is showing his own children that doing something you love is worth every step of the way.

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