No Joke Smoke BBQ Closes After 10 Years of Serving Fall River & Swansea

The popular barbecue restaurant and catering business is shutting down after a decade of operations.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 4:07pm

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After a decade of serving award-winning barbecue to communities across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, No Joke Smoke BBQ has announced it is ceasing operations. Founders Ryan and Sharon Nahas expressed gratitude for the support of their customers over the years, calling the journey 'one of the greatest honors' of their lives.

Why it matters

No Joke Smoke BBQ was a beloved local institution that had evolved from a small-scale sauce operation to a popular regional eatery, demonstrating the power of entrepreneurial spirit and the importance of community connections. Its closure marks the end of an era for the local barbecue scene.

The details

No Joke Smoke BBQ started in 2015 with the creation of their signature barbecue sauces, which led to a presence at local farmers markets. They opened their first brick-and-mortar location at the Swansea Mall in late 2018, but it proved unsustainable. In March 2019, they established a new base of operations at 396 Wilbur Avenue in Swansea, known as 'No Joke on Wilbur,' until its closure in April 2023. After the restaurant closed, the Nahas's pivoted to a mobile operation, utilizing a distinctive orange food trailer to continue serving customers at various locations.

  • No Joke Smoke BBQ was founded in 2015.
  • The first brick-and-mortar location opened at the Swansea Mall in late 2018.
  • The 'No Joke on Wilbur' location opened in March 2019 and closed in April 2023.
  • The announcement of the closure was made via social media on Thursday, February 5th, 2026.

The players

Ryan and Sharon Nahas

The founders of No Joke Smoke BBQ, who expressed gratitude for the support of their customers over the years and called the journey 'one of the greatest honors' of their lives.

No Joke Smoke BBQ

A popular barbecue restaurant and catering business that served communities across Massachusetts and Rhode Island for 10 years before announcing its closure.

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What they’re saying

“What started as farmers markets and homemade sauces grew into catering, pop‑ups, a restaurant, and a food trailer — but more than anything, it became a way for us to connect with an incredible community.”

— Ryan and Sharon Nahas, Founders of No Joke Smoke BBQ

“This journey has been one of the greatest honors of our lives. We are deeply grateful for every customer, friend, and relationship built along the way. You didn't just support a business — you became part of our story.”

— Ryan and Sharon Nahas, Founders of No Joke Smoke BBQ

“While this chapter comes to a close, we leave with full hearts, proud of what we created and thankful for the memories we'll carry forever. From both of us — thank you for believing in No Joke Smoke BBQ. We truly loved every minute of serving you.”

— Ryan and Sharon Nahas, Founders of No Joke Smoke BBQ

What’s next

The Nahas's indicated their intention to continue serving customers at a variety of locations, including colleges, dispensaries, breweries, festivals, private events, and farmers markets, using their distinctive orange food trailer.

The takeaway

The closure of No Joke Smoke BBQ marks the end of an era for the local barbecue scene, but the legacy of the Nahas's dedication to quality and community connection is likely to endure. The brand's evolution from a small-scale sauce operation to a beloved regional eatery demonstrates the power of entrepreneurial spirit and the importance of customer relationships.