SMITHFIELD, VA. – Smithfield Culinary, the foodservice focused subsidiary of Smithfield Foods Inc., announced its Smoke'NFast brand has partnered with Darren Warth, an award-winning, Barbecue Hall of Fame pitmaster. Warth, also known in the competitive barbecue circuit as “The GOAT” will work with Smoke'NFast to demonstrate to foodservice operators how slow-cooked meats can easily become a highlight on their menus. As an owner and operator of several restaurants across Iowa, Warth’s Smokey D’s BBQ eatery gained national notoriety when it was featured on The Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”  

Warth’s partnership with Smithfield Culinary is focused on educating and inspiring other restauranteurs by offering them access to videos, cooking demonstrations and recipe ideas through Smoke'NFast’s social media platforms. The partnership also offers foodservice operators the opportunity to enter the Smoke’NFast 2024 Kansas City Fantasy BBQ Sweepstakes, with the chance to meet with Warth at this year’s American Royal World Series of Barbecue.  

“I’m thrilled to partner with Smithfield Smoke'NFast and show foodservice operators how to simply integrate winning barbecue on their menus, making them feel like true pitmasters regardless of their experience or equipment,” Warth said. “From smoked sausage and brisket to ribs to KC Wild Wings, every Smoke'NFast product is slow cooked to perfection, delivering big flavor without the labor.”

Smithfield’s Smoke'NFast brand offers operators a line of cooked and smoked meats that require minimal labor to prepare and no investments in new equipment. Some of the offerings available feature traditional barbecue items, but also include global flavors, such as carnitas, barbacoa and osso buco.

“Darren is a true icon in the barbecue world, and as long-time fans, we're honored he's collaborating with Smoke'NFast,” said Edward Wayda, marketing director at Smithfield Culinary. “We understand that many operators, especially smaller operations, face significant labor challenges, yet they still want to serve high-quality smoked meats that appeal to their customers.”