Saudi Arabian Barbecue Joint Opens First Texas Location in Fort Worth

Smokey Beards Q, known for its Hill Country-style brisket and beef ribs, brings its Middle Eastern popularity to the Lone Star State.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 4:15pm

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Smokey Beards Q, a barbecue restaurant that started in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has opened its first Texas location in Fort Worth. The restaurant, founded by Tony Ramadani and his brother Sonny, along with former rapper Mutah Beale, has gained a celebrity following in the Middle East for its smoked brisket and beef ribs. After 10 years in the North Texas pizza and pasta scene, Ramadani left in 2019 to bring the Hill Country barbecue style to Saudi Arabia, and now he's bringing it back to Texas.

Why it matters

The opening of Smokey Beards Q in Fort Worth represents the growing global influence of Texas barbecue and the ability of homegrown culinary traditions to resonate internationally. It also highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of immigrants who bring their unique culinary perspectives to the United States.

The details

Smokey Beards Q in Fort Worth will serve the same menu as the Riyadh location, featuring smoked brisket and beef ribs over acacia wood with house-made barbecue sauce, as well as sides like fries, beans, potato salad, mac and cheese, and coleslaw. The restaurant will use the classic Hill Country smoking method with oak, pecan, or hickory chips, and the meat rub will be a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, and a touch of cayenne.

  • Smokey Beards Q in Fort Worth will have a soft opening from January 29-31, 2026.
  • The restaurant's grand opening is scheduled for February 5-7, 2026.

The players

Tony Ramadani

The founder of Smokey Beards Q, who previously helped open an Italian restaurant in Fort Worth before pivoting to bring Hill Country-style barbecue to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Sonny Ramadani

Tony Ramadani's brother and a co-founder of Smokey Beards Q.

Mutah Beale

Also known as Napoleon, a former rapper from Tupac's Outlawz group and a co-founder of Smokey Beards Q.

Smokey Beards Q

The barbecue restaurant that started in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and is now opening its first Texas location in Fort Worth.

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What’s next

Smokey Beards Q will have a grand opening event from February 5-7, 2026, with exact hours to be announced closer to the date.

The takeaway

The opening of Smokey Beards Q in Fort Worth demonstrates the global appeal of Texas barbecue and the entrepreneurial spirit of immigrants who bring their unique culinary perspectives to the United States. It represents the continued evolution and diversification of the state's iconic food culture.