Today we’d like to introduce you to David Filipowicz.
Hi David, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was a kid, my mom and dad made food feel special. It wasn’t just about eating — it was about moments. We went to certain restaurants for specific dishes, and we’d drive past 30 bagel shops just to get the one bagel we knew was the best. Food was how we celebrated the good and how we got through the bad. It gave me a love for food that went way deeper than just flavor.
I started chasing down the best of the best — just like my dad with bagels, I’d drive past three or four places just to find the best fried chicken. Food became a passion, and eventually I wanted to take it further. At the time, Georgia didn’t have much good BBQ, so I hit the road. I went to Alabama, Tennessee, Kansas, Texas — anywhere I could get my hands on good barbecue. I learned a lot, tasted even more, and started pulling together what I loved from each region.
All of that came together in Smokejack BBQ. Funny enough, people think the name came from my son, Jack — but it’s actually a piece of barbecue equipment. The fact that it tied to my son’s name was just a happy coincidence.
My family and Chef Johnny have been here since day one. Johnny has the technical skills to make the barbecue top-notch, and my family shaped the menu. My wife doesn’t eat red meat, so we knew our chicken and turkey had to be just as good as the brisket. Every decision has been influenced by them. I wanted Smokejack to be the kind of place families would drive past 30 other restaurants just to come to. I wanted it to be a place that shaped family traditions like the ones I had with my parents and now have with my boys.
I want Smokejack to be more than just BBQ — I want it to feel like home. A place where people know your name when you walk in, walk you through the menu, and treat you like family. Yes, the food has to be the best, but it’s also about creating that feeling of belonging. Through it all, we’ve leaned on faith and perseverance. Alpharetta has been such an amazing community, and we’re proud to be a part of it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. It was slow going in the beginning. Then 2008 happened. The Covid happened. However, we are blessed with an outstanding community that has kept us afloat.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Smokejack BBQ?
Smokejack BBQ opened in 2004 in Downtown Alpharetta. We specialize in great bbq and service. We also just opened a second location, Jack’s Feed Store. We’re proud of our consistency. We make fresh food every day. We also specialize in catering.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t much believe in luck. I believe that God gives us what we need, when we need it, regardless of if we can understand that at the moment. I’m lucky that God has always been by my side.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://smokejackbbq.com
- Instagram: @smokejackbbq
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/smokejackbbq
Image Credits
David Alex Films
