Est. 2013
From humble backyard beginnings to becoming the High Country's premier BBQ catering service, every step of our journey has been seasoned with passion, dedication, and authentic flavors.
2013
On July 24, 2013, Kristin started her BBQ journey when Mike Aloia made her the deal of a lifetime. She became the owner of When Pigs Fly of Ashe, BBQ & Wings, knowing nothing about BBQ.
Key Highlights
2016
November 1, 2016 marked a major milestone with the move and complete remodel of When Pigs Fly, setting the stage for continued success.
Key Highlights
2018-2019
Kristin moved to her grannie's kitchen at Shatley Springs and kept racking up awards. She earned 5 more Ashe Post & Times Best of the Best awards, including Best Wings for the 5th year in a row!
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2020
February 2020 brought the birth of Kristin's Hook'd on Smoke. She purchased the food truck and fed Ashe County through a global pandemic, continuing to accumulate repeat customers and prestigious awards.
Key Highlights
2026
After 13 years, 22 awards, and a whole lot of smoke, Kristin closed the chapter on Hook'd on Smoke, grateful for every plate served and every face fed.
Key Highlights
See what others are saying about Kristin's incredible journey and award-winning BBQ.
All About Women - August 2021
Mountain Times
Featured Article
All About Women - August 2021
Mountain Times
In Ashe County, a bright orange truck offers award-winning barbecue, hospitality and is praised by both locals and visitors to the area. Kristin's Hook'd on Smoke food truck can be spotted on weekdays in downtown West Jefferson and at festivals and events throughout the year. "Feeding faces" and making a name for herself over the years as a mouthy, barbecue connoisseur is owner Kristin Howell. The path which led her to this place in her life — which she said is the happiest she has been —was not an easy one, with several bumps and setbacks.
Phoenix
By Isabel Stellato
Featured Story
Phoenix
By Isabel Stellato
Parked in the heart of West Jefferson, Kristin's Hooked on Smoke is a food truck run by a strong-willed mother and daughter duo. Locals and tourists alike come for the good food and personable vibes of the chef, Kristin Howell. A single mother, Kristin has battled through countless adversities to support herself and her child, including the fear of missing out on important moments in her daughter's childhood. Her love for her 15-year-old daughter, Whitley, has been the force behind her unyielding perseverance.
Over a decade of excellence recognized by our community and industry peers
Ashe Mountain Times
Best lunch restaurant in Ashe County
See what our customers are saying after experiencing Kristin's authentic, slow-smoked BBQ and Southern sides for themselves.
"Kristin's food is amazing! She knows her barbecue and the sides are out of this world! It's hard to pick a favorite! Her meatloaf is to die for and she can make some mean wings! You won't be disappointed! 😊❤️"
March 2025
