New 'cue in Bellevue

Kenny and Tammy Meyer, better known to fellow barbecue contestants as the award-winning Smokin' Tailgators, will open a new barbecue spot in Bellevue next Friday.

Kenny Meyer said the new 15-seat, counter-service "hole-in-the-wall" at 2615 Chandler Road will be called SmokeShack BBQ — after a short-lived spot the couple had near 30th and Farnam Streets in 2003 and 2004.

The Meyers, who have done catering and vending at local jazz and blues festivals and at Taste of Omaha in recent years, got their start in barbecue contests. They've run up a slew of champion awards at Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned events in the past 12 years.

Kenny Meyer said he and his three sons — Kenny Jr., 24, Vincent, 17, and Nicholas, 11 — will be in charge at the restaurant.

"We're going to offer barbecued ribs, brisket, pork, chicken and all of our sides — potato salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, baked beans — all fresh," he said. "And we're going to expand our menu as we go."

He said restaurant hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The number is 598-0703.