Two people, a woman and a man, standing on a wooden porch in front of Jim's Smokin' BBQ, smiling. The porch has a wooden railing, a parked vintage gas pump, and decorative sunflower and Texaco signs. The sign overhead reads 'Jim's Smokin', Low and Slow'.

Our Story

What began in 2010 as a humble barbecue counter inside the Booger Hollow Gas Station has grown into a beloved destination for slow-smoked, award-winning flavors in the North Georgia mountains.

In 2012, the growing demand meant expanding into a standalone restaurant. Then, in January 2020, Chris Cuviello and Zachary Edmonds stepped in to carry the torch. Chris brings extensive experience opening and managing restaurant hospitality operations across the country. Zachary’s roots in BBQ go deep—having trained at one of Georgia’s oldest barbecue restaurants, competed on the state barbecue circuit, and smoked meat for family, friends, and fans alike.

Continuing the Tradition

Together, they’ve made Blairsville home, continuing the tradition of “low and slow™ ” smoked pork, brisket, ribs, and turkey—served daily alongside house-made sides like collard greens, cheddar‑gouda grits, and green beans.

Jim’s Smokin’ Que ® has gained statewide recognition and local distinction, even earning a featured spotlight on Fox 5 Atlanta’s BBQ Week as one of Georgia’s favorite barbecue joints.

A man in a black cap, glasses, and black gloves stands beside a large, industrial smoker with meat inside, preparing to cook or check the meat.

Follow Our Journey

  • Jim’s Smokin’ Que opens inside the Booger Hollow Gas Station, bringing slow-smoked BBQ to Blairsville, GA for the first time.

  • Due to growing popularity, the restaurant expands into a standalone building just down the road from the original gas station location.

  • Jim’s Smokin’ Que is named #6 BBQ restaurant in the country by TripAdvisor and earns consistent five-star reviews online.

  • Chris Cuviello and Zachary Edmonds purchase the restaurant, bringing new energy and decades of hospitality and BBQ expertise to the business.

  • Catering expands to serve full-service weddings, corporate events, and large-scale community gatherings throughout North Georgia.

  • Highlighted as Yelp’s Top 100 Restaurants in America out of 652,000!

  • Launch of Jim’s signature catering menu, custom appetizer offerings, and fully staffed buffet service—solidifying its reputation as the go-to BBQ caterer in the region.

  • Featured on Fox 5 Atlanta’s BBQ Week as one of Georgia’s most-loved BBQ joints.

People sitting at a long wooden table outdoors, enjoying a meal with burgers, sides, and condiments in red-and-white checkered baskets and paper-lined baskets, under a covered patio with string lights.

Our Mission

At Jim’s Smokin’ Que, our Mission is to serve exceptional C.R.A.F.T. BBQ that brings people together. Rooted in quality, we ensure every dish is produced at the highest level possible. Here, it’s not just a meal- we offer an experience. Through unapologetic hospitality and meaningful connections, we aim to be a place where community, consistency, and quality come together.

How We Are Different

Red textured background with black decorative border
Meat roasts on a smoker grill, cooking on multiple racks with a dark, smoky environment.

Low and Slow, Every Day

We smoke our meats fresh each morning—no shortcuts, no reheats. It's why you can smell our butts for miles.

A young woman with long hair wearing a pink plaid shirt enjoying a meal at a diner with fried chicken, bread, and sides on a checkered basket, surrounded by condiments and a wooden wall in the background.
Red background with a black distressed border

Real People, Unapolegetic Hospitality

You’ll always be greeted with a smile. Our team is small, local, and passionate about making every guest feel like family.

Cooked pork ribs on a red checkered paper liner, with a bottle of smoky BBQ sauce nearby on a dark surface, against a light wood background.
A red rectangle with a distressed black border.
Grilled chicken pieces in a chafing dish at a buffet with a small chalkboard sign labeled "Chicken" in front.
Red rectangular background with rough, uneven black border.

Scratch-Made Sides, Full-Flavored Sauces

From gouda grits to collard greens, our sides are made in-house—just like you’d expect from your favorite Southern kitchen.

We Know How to Cater

With decades of experience, we know how to handle every detail, from set-up to clean-up. Whether it’s a rustic wedding or corporate lunch, we show up prepared and proud.

Group of people gathered at a restaurant table with food, smiling for a photo. The restaurant has wood-paneled walls and signs, including one that reads "Jim's Smokin' Que."
Red textured background with rough black border and corners.

Fueled by a Strong Team Culture

We believe good food starts with a great team. From the kitchen to the buffet line, our crew works hard, supports one another, and takes pride in every plate we serve.

The Team

  • Zachary Edmonds

    Owner

  • Chris Cuviello

    Owner

  • Tara Morgan

    Owner

  • Lydia Leek

    Director of Catering & Events

  • Eric Morgan

    Director of IT

  • Doug Smith

    Director of Corporate Services

  • Terri Ross

    Executive Assistant/Administrator

  • Perry Harris

    Assistant General Manager

  • Caiden Arey

    Pitmaster

C.R.A.F.T.

C – Consistency

Every event, every plate, every guest. We deliver the same high-quality experience, time after time.

At Jim’s Smokin’ Que ®, our values are rooted in C.R.A.F.T.—because great BBQ isn’t just about flavor; it’s about the way we work together, serve others, and show up every single time.

R – Relationships

We make guests feel welcome, appreciated, and eager to return—with friends in tow.

A – Attention to Detail

 From folding napkins to filling sauce bottles, we believe excellence is found in the little things.

T – Team/Culture

We lift each other up, work hard, and lead with respect. When our team thrives, everything else follows.

F – Food Quality

Fresh, flavorful, and made from scratch. Our food is prepped with care and served with pride.

Cartoon chef with a large smiling face, black hair, red glasses, wearing a white chef's hat and a red-and-white checkered apron

What Matters to Us

At Jim’s Smokin’ Que ®, we believe great BBQ is only part of the story. What matters most is how people feel when they walk through our doors—or gather around one of our buffet tables. From the first hello to the last bite, we’re here to serve up comfort, connection, and down-home hospitality.

Catering? Call Us