Public Hearing Set To Mull Manhattan BBQ Spot's Smoker Storage

MANHATTAN, IL — Discussion continues on a proposed cargo container to be used as smoker storage outside a barbecue restaurant coming to Manhattan's downtown, with a public hearing set for later this month.

Manhattan resident Mike Bacon is readying his Arrowhead Smoke Works to open at 195 S. State St., and has asked Village trustees to sign off on a container to house the business' meat smoker. To be built on the property but separate from the restaurant, the shipping container concept has met with some resistance from officials, with trustees voicing concerns about aesthetics in a developing downtown. Trustee Dave Beemsterboer last month said he was concerned about setting a precedent that would lead to other businesses requesting something similar. He's worried it could set back officials' beautification efforts in the downtown.

"I do not want a container dropped in the middle of downtown Manhattan," Beemsterboer said during the meeting.

As a next step, a public hearing will be held on the topic of a proposed special use permit for Bacon to make the storage happen. Bacon said he's spoken with the fire protection district for guidance on how to make it safe and effective, while also incorporating the Village's requests for the visuals.

"We seem to be on the same page on where the fire would be stored, where the firebox would be located," Bacon said. "It’s all noncombustible materials inside the container."

Renderings of the container show it matches the exterior of the main building—painted black, with the same Arrowhead Smokehouse branding and gold accents, including a hammered gold awning to match the building's front facade. A door and window are shown, with the firebox and wood rack outside. A smoke stack extends out of the roof. Keeping with the branding, "Seek the fire, follow the smoke," will be painted on the side of the container that faces the train tracks.

"We’re trying to just find the best way for everybody to be able to house a smoker outside on the property, to be able to make delicious meat," Bacon said.

This storage container concept is common, Bacon added, with the closest example at Matt’s Barbecue in Lemont. The container is needed to shelter the smoker from rain, while also keeping the public safe and storing materials. The container would be accessible only by staff. The fire is outside, with the interior of the chamber hitting 250 degrees. Meat is wrapped up and done, then processed inside the restaurant.

"I wasn't aware of the hot topic storage container rules when I mentioned the concept," Bacon said Friday. "I explained my vision with examples and incorporated the guidance given to me by the fire department at the board meeting.

"The smoker currently being fabricated in Texas is large and needs to be enclosed and protected for many reasons. I was open to any and all ideas that the Village recommended for an enclosure. A modified storage unit is common for this application. When done right, they can be pretty neat. I truly appreciate the Village board working with us to find the best option."

Other ideas suggested—including fences or brick enclosures—would not be cost-effective for Bacon, who does not own the property and is currently locked in to a three-year lease. Another suggestion of a wooden hut to house the smoker would be deemed unsafe, Bacon said.

He stressed he would follow the board's guidance, but he wants to be clear on what that is.

"Tell me which road to run down," Bacon said, "and I will run down it.

"... I’m here to do what you want me to do. Just tell me what you want me to do."

Trustee Justin Young spoke positively of the container concept.

".... the overall look of a container I get is kind of taboo around here, but if you go out to other trendier, downtown areas, food trucks operate out of them..." Young said. "... I travel a ton, this is very common. There are a lot of businesses, entire concept is container-built.

"... It’s common with the theme of a smokehouse."

Bacon, who owns Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company in New Lenox, picked Manhattan for his newest venture because of his ties to the town. Mulling the ideas of pop-ups, food trucks, or a small location, a prior collaboration with the Village of Manhattan came to mind. Bacon had partnered with Manhattan officials previously on themed beer Manhoppenins.

"This is a great addition to our community and especially our downtown area," said Mayor Mike Adrieansen previously, of Arrowhead Smoke Works. "We started discussing this opportunity with Arrowhead soon after our downtown development plan was approved in 2023, and we believe this will be a great catalyst for future downtown development."

Bacon was envisioning a small space, but said the firehouse seemed too good to pass up.

"... The Firehouse was a little bigger than I was thinking to get started, but the opportunity was right there," Bacon said, "and I couldn't let this pass by without giving it a shot, so here we are.

"At Arrowhead Ales, we've always had a side passion for BBQ. As many people know, we've offered BBQ in a lot of different settings over the years. Triple Play Concerts, Manhattan Pork and Pint, and Sons of the American Legion Rib cook-off, to name just a few. We really never have any intentions on turning Arrowhead Ales into a BBQ joint."

Arrowhead Smoke Works is expected to offer a simple, but well-executed menu covering many different styles of BBQ.

"We're looking to offer a small menu mainly consisting of brisket, pork, ribs, wings and some other surprises as we get creative," Bacon said. "We will also offer catering. The space is small, in restaurant terms, so inventory could be limited, and some items could sell out rather quickly. We're going to have some limited indoor and patio dining, but the main focus will be on carry-out and catering. "

Signature sandwiches will also appear on the menu, as well as distinct styles of ribs.

"We are excited to bring our passion for high-quality craft food and beer to Manhattan," said owner Mike Bacon. "I live in Manhattan and see a great opportunity for BBQ and craft beer in this community...."

A Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing on the special use permit request is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, at Manhattan Village Hall, 260 Market Pl.