By Sylvia Powers
Nestled in the heart of Dallas, Texas, Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que & Home Cooking has served as a cherished culinary institution for more than four decades.
Known for its soulful barbecue and warm hospitality, the restaurant has earned loyal customers spanning longtime locals, out-of-town visitors, and even celebrities in search of authentic Southern comfort food. Yet, behind this success story lies a journey marked by cultivating challenges.
“One of the biggest challenges my brother and I faced was a fire that shut down the business for 16 months,” explained co-owner Brent Reaves, who runs the family restaurant alongside his brother, Juan. “At the time, it felt like the single most devastating experience we’d ever had.”
The fire proved to be just the start of a series of hardships: eight months after reopening, the Reaves brothers lost their father, who founded Smokey John’s, and soon after, the COVID-19 pandemic forced restaurants nationwide to close their doors for months.
Despite these daunting setbacks, Reaves refused to give up.
“There were so many lessons we learned,” he said. “Our faith deepened during that time. I think it’s important to share our story, because there are a lot of business owners out there who might be thinking about quitting. I want to use my testimony to encourage them to keep going.”
In the midst of overcoming adversity, Smokey John’s also achieved some remarkable milestones. Their barbecue and family-driven story caught national attention, garnering features on Good Morning America, the Food Network, the Cooking Channel, Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and other popular television programs.
In addition to its dine-in services, Smokey John’s has built a robust catering operation, ensuring that their hallmark flavors can travel to office parties, weddings, tailgates, and large-scale community events. They’ve earned a reputation for attention to detail—carefully packed servings, punctual deliveries, and a determination to recreate that signature in-house taste wherever customers choose to gather.
Recently, Reaves shared the insights he’s gained through these trials with participants of the Empower Series, an initiative founded by Clifton E. Johnson.
The Empower Series is a grassroots movement dedicated to equipping individuals and families with the knowledge, confidence, and motivation needed to build stronger financial futures and foster personal development.
“The biggest thing I want other entrepreneurs to take from our experience is that they’re not alone,” Reaves emphasized. “Many other business owners are going through the same struggles. Even after you’ve achieved some level of success, you’ll still face new challenges. The lessons you learn from your early setbacks will help you navigate the next ones.”
Reaves admitted that the core base of this family business is faith and family.
Reflecting on his father’s legacy, Reaves values something deeper than national fame. “The greatest thing my dad would be proud of is that Juan and I kept our faith. We haven’t walked away from God. “From when we were kids, my father always taught us that knowing Jesus as our Savior is key, and that only what we do for Christ will last.”
Reaves was the final speaker in Season 14 of the Empower Series, which will resume in January.
Inspired by Reaves’s testimony, Johnson shared an acronym—A.C.T.—that emerged from the lessons learned: Ask God, Commit to Excellence, and Take Action.
Johnson’s vision for the Empower Series extends beyond one-time seminars. Over the years, it has grown into a trusted community resource benefiting students, working professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs, homeowners-to-be, and seniors focused on preserving their wealth.
It aims to nurture a culture grounded in education, action, and accountability, ensuring that lessons of perseverance and faith continue to shine a guiding light for many.
“These programs educate people. We’re giving them hope, inspiration, education, and connecting them to resources to take that next step towards their goal,” said Johnson.
The Empower Series will resume on January 18. From January to November, it is held on the third Saturday at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 2901 Pennsylvania Ave., Dallas, TX 75215.
For more information about the Empower Series, visit www.empowerseries.com.
