Olivette's Sugarfire Gets Outdoor Smoker

An outdoor smoker will be a welcome addition to Olivette's Sugarfire Smokehouse, and according to owner Mike Johnson, the cooking device is much needed.

"We need another smoker because it's so busy over here, and I have to put it outside," Johnson said, adding there's not enough room in the restaurant for another smoker. Sugarfire now only has one smoker.

Johnson is waiting for a permit from the health department for the smoker. He predicts he will be able to set up his top-of-the-line Old Hickory smoker out back this week.

But an outdoor smoker is more than a practical move for the Sugarfire. After the winter season, Johnson hopes to set up the smoker in the front patio area of the restaurant with approval from the City of Olivette. It's all part of his aesthetic vision, and the smoker would serve as a key component of the restaurant's outdoor decor.

"I like to think that the patio is the best part of the restaurant. It's important to make it look and feel great. I want to make it so that the patio looks like somewhere out in the country," Johnson said.

He predicts that the smoker likely would see its most use Friday nights when the restaurant sees the highest volume of customers. It also would be handy for large catering jobs.

"Honestly the (outdoor) smoker is a little nicer than the one inside. It has a rotisserie, so it gets a more even cook on it," Johnson said.

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