AfterShock Smokers offers barbeque
By Holly Neumann
AfterShock Smokers, owned and operated by Darren and Nichole Chancellor and their family, is making a name for itself in area communities.
According to Darren Chancellor, AfterShock Smokers started as a team that competed in Kansas City Barbeque Society contests throughout the summer.
The Kansas City Barbeque Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and enjoying barbeque. It has 20,000 members worldwide.
“We tried to hit three to four competitions a year,” Chancellor said. “We figured why not do even more.”
And that is exactly what he did.
“We wanted to take our food on the road,” he said. “It is hard for some people to travel, so we are bringing it to them.”
After converting an old bus into a food service truck, Chancellor and his family were ready to start selling anything from barbequed chicken and pulled pork, to mac and cheese and coleslaw, and more.
“We sell barbeque, as that is something that is not readily available in our area,” he said. “It is always a blast to do, and I love it when the smoke starts to roll.”
Chancellor has more than 20 years of experience in the food industry, starting out at the age of 15.
“I love experimenting with different flavors and coming out with things people never really think about,” he said. “My mom and grandmother taught me the rest.”
He credits his entire family for preparing the food they sell.
“Everyone in the house has a hand in everything that we make,” he said. “This is a team effort, and this is important because we are all doing something together as a family. I want the kids to look back and have a memory of the stuff we did together. It is not just my company. It is also theirs.”
For Chancellor, the look on people’s faces after they take their first bites is what keeps him going.
“I am a big people person. It feels good to know that you can make something that other people love,” he said. “
AfterShock Smokers currently serves both Manawa and Waupaca.
“Right now we are open every other Friday from 12-6 p.m. in the parking lot located at 830 W. Fulton St., in Waupaca and on Saturdays from 12-7 p.m. at Primrose Garden and Gifts, in Manawa,” he said. “We do plan on moving around more once we get comfortable with everything we are doing.”
Customers may visit www.facebook.com/aftershocksmokers to view menu options or to make a reservation for special events, such as weddings, graduations and other parties. AfterShock Smokers may also be reached at 920-505-0232.