Former Bet the House Co-Owner Brings New Barbecue Spot to Denton

Cody Smithers plans to open Smithers Smokehouse over Labor Day weekend.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:00am

A vibrant, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated pattern of a classic barbecue smoker in bold, neon-inspired colors, conceptually representing the arrival of a new barbecue restaurant in Denton.The opening of Smithers Smokehouse in Denton will bring a new, high-profile barbecue option to the city's growing culinary scene.Denton Today

Cody Smithers, a former co-owner and pitmaster of the popular Bet the House BBQ restaurant, is opening a new barbecue concept called Smithers Smokehouse in downtown Denton, Texas. The new restaurant is expected to open during Labor Day weekend this year.

Why it matters

The arrival of Smithers Smokehouse will add another high-profile barbecue option to Denton's growing food scene, which has seen an influx of new restaurants and dining options in recent years. As a former co-owner of a well-regarded local barbecue spot, Smithers' new venture is likely to generate significant interest and draw in both locals and visitors to the area.

The details

Smithers, who previously co-owned and operated Bet the House BBQ, is now striking out on his own with the new Smithers Smokehouse concept. The new restaurant will focus on classic Texas-style barbecue, featuring smoked meats, sides, and other signature dishes. Smithers is aiming to open Smithers Smokehouse over Labor Day weekend, capitalizing on the high-traffic holiday period to introduce the new restaurant to the Denton community.

  • Smithers Smokehouse is expected to open during Labor Day weekend in 2026.

The players

Cody Smithers

A former co-owner and pitmaster of Bet the House BBQ, Smithers is now opening his own new barbecue restaurant called Smithers Smokehouse in downtown Denton.

Bet the House BBQ

A popular local barbecue restaurant in Denton, Texas, where Cody Smithers previously served as a co-owner and pitmaster.

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What’s next

Smithers Smokehouse is expected to open its doors to the public over Labor Day weekend in 2026, marking the debut of the new barbecue concept in downtown Denton.

The takeaway

The arrival of Smithers Smokehouse, led by an experienced local pitmaster, will provide Denton residents and visitors with a new high-quality barbecue option and further strengthen the city's growing reputation as a dining destination.