Savory, Salty, and Sweet: Shuford’s Smokehouse is a Treat!

A small, white building residing in an aged concrete lot may seem insignificant, but

Shufords' Smokehouse is a local legend in Soddy Daisy.

Shuford’s Smokehouse on Dayton Pike by Soddy Lake is only one of three current

locations founded by owner Jeff Davis.

The original Shuford’s establishment was located in Signal Mountain and was opened for

33 years before a mudslide destroyed the building in 2019.

Despite losing the original location, Davis was able to maintain the Shuford name

through his prior choice to open other locations in Soddy Daisy and Chickamauga.

Shuford’s Smokehouse seems to be well received by Soddy Daisyians. The roadside

stand went through several owners before it landed in Davis’ hands more than eight years ago.

When trying to find the stand, I almost drove right passed it. Without knowing what to

look for, I can see how some might miss the opportunity to try the “traditional southern

barbecue”.

I placed my order with a very polite older woman who runs the Soddy Daisy location.

She sang high praises about her job and encouraged me to try the other locations as well.

As I waited, I took my seat at one of the two old picnic tables to the side of the building.

These tables had been with the building since before Davis took over the lease. The seats were

cracked and a bit uncomfortable- the tables the tiniest bit unbalanced.

This location has no inside seating, so you do get your fair share of mosquito bites and

attacks from unruly flies. However, the seating does aid the picnic-est, down-to-earth atmosphere

quite well.
 They called when my food was ready in a fashion that struck me as familiar. I had

flashbacks to my grandmother announcing dinner was done when I was young. The food came

out quick, hot, and in to-go containers- the perfect choice as the proportions are enormous.

I first tried the barbecue. Smokey, salty, and a hint of vinegar melded together to create a

unique taste that differs from other local barbecues I’ve tried. Unlike a few other restaurants’,

there is not a sweet taste to be found in Shuford’s sauce. Overall, I believe the barbecue lives up

to the local hype.

I moved my way to the baby back ribs. The meat literally fell off the bone and was juicy,

tangy, and of course- smokey. The customers can smell their food being prepared as every piece

of meat is smoked in the Shuford's smokehouse directly behind the eating area.

I finished my meal with an order of banana pudding. The pudding was homemade and

tasted exactly how my grandfather used to make it. Instead of the usual Nilla Wafers, homemade

wafer cookies acted as the separation between layers.

The soft-serve chocolate ice cream I also tried, creamy and rich with a cheap price, is an

excellent choice for a hot summer day...but maybe not for a winter one!

As I ate, I met a local Soddy Daisyian, Jonathan Pike, who said he has been coming to

Shuford’s for years now.

“The banana pudding is like my grandma used to make,” said Pike. “(The pudding) is

light and smooth and makes your tongue want to smack your brains out.”

Overall, my experience was one I encourage everyone to try. The location may seem

small and a tad plain, but I have found it matches the heart of Soddy Daisy considerably well.

Despite the humble frame, what lies inside is a unique encounter crafted by caring and

hardworking people.
“(Eating at Shuford’s Smokehouse) is like being home with the family,” said Pike.

I could not agree more.