- OUR STORY -

The spark for The Smitty Experience truly ignited while we were stationed in El Paso, Texas. It was there that we fell in love with the bold, unforgettable flavors of Texas-style barbecue—a style rooted in slow cooking, rich smoke, and deep tradition. At the same time, we discovered a small tea shop that allowed us to explore the refreshing world of matcha and loose-leaf tea–infused smoothies. That unique blend of smoky and sweet stuck with us, and we knew we had something special.
Growing up, both of our families created legacies built around quality, home-cooked meals. That foundation of love, flavor, and tradition never left us. After leaving the military, we carried those roots with us and began cooking out of our home—sharing plates with our amazing neighbors and friends who quickly became our first taste-testers and biggest supporters. From there, we grew—opening our first restaurant, and now evolving into a mobile catering and events company.
We’ve taken our love for food out into the community, bringing our signature Texas-style smoked meats and handcrafted dessert smoothies to pop-ups, private events, and corporate gatherings across Raleigh and beyond. And while we’ve traded the brick-and-mortar for the freedom of the road, we’re not done yet. One day, we’ll build back up to a restaurant—bigger, bolder, and better than ever.
As a Black-owned, Veteran-owned business, we're proud of our journey and the flavors we’ve cultivated along the way. The Smitty Experience isn’t just about food—it’s about heart, hustle, and bringing people together through unforgettable meals and moments.
From our family to yours, Thank You for being part of the journey.
With Love,
Rashad & Saadia Smith