03/15/2018
Hi everyone, this is Smokey Fred.
I wanted to share upcoming changes at Smokey Fred’s BBQ. We are coming up to our 5th year anniversary and, the time has gone by so fast! The other day I was remembering the drive from my house to Smokey Fred’s on the first day we opened. I remember thinking, “what if they do not like my BBQ”. You know, it’s funny to think about it now but that thought never entered my mind before that moment. I remember I had a brief moment of doubt and sheer panic, I then said to myself well, just do the best you can and hope it all works out. (True story.)
Wow what a way to start huh? But you did like my BBQ and in the end everything did work out. Thank you for your support and friendship over the years, I’m so glad you liked my BBQ and you all helped us win so many awards over the years. I really love what I do it gives me a great feeling of satisfaction, making good BBQ for people to enjoy. For that reason and for so many more, it makes what I have to say all that more difficult.
Smokey Fred’s BBQ will be closing on March 31, 2018.
I’m sure you are asking why? Well, let me start by saying normally I am a very private person and am not known to speak openly about my personal life. However, you have supported me and shown me friendship over the last 4.5 years, so I felt I owed you an explanation.
A few weeks ago I was diagnosed with a Congenital Heart Defect. My doctor explained to me that I was born with this heart defect, it’s very serious and that I will have to undergo corrective open heart surgery on April 6th at Saint Joseph’s Hospital.
You know just a few weeks ago my life was going along just fine, doing something, I really enjoyed. It’s amazing how your personal reality and life focus can be changed in a single sentence from your doctor. It has been explained to me that my recovery will be lengthy and afterward I’ll be on a light activity schedule. Smokey Fred’s BBQ is a small mom and pop operation and unfortunately, it is not in a financial position to be shut down for two or more months, so I have no choice but to close my doors.
During consultations with Dr. Palafox, he explained that this type of condition is rare and normally goes undetected until the person suffers a sudden death event (usually early in life.) The length of time that I have lived (57 years) with this type of heart defect seems to really amaze my doctor considering the active life I have lived. I hope Dr. Palafox and my team of cardiologists can learn something new from my surgery, something they can use to help others with this condition.
It is my hope to reopen Smokey Fred’s BBQ after my recovery period. We will maintain our Smokey Fred’s BBQ website and page to keep you all updated so please check in with us from time to time. We will be updating our website to include an online store so you may order your favorite Smokey Fred’s BBQ rubs and other BBQ items.
I want to take this opportunity to again express my thanks and gratitude for your patronage and support. Our last day will be Saturday March 31, so if you get the chance please come by to say hi and enjoy some good BBQ before we close. Our hours will be reduced, but we will do our best to continue to serve the OC the best BBQ until we close. I look forward to seeing each of you and celebrating our 4.5 wonderful years in Orange together.
Take care and be well.
Fred Rea
aka: Smokey Fred
