Posted
on Friday, May 16, 2025
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Small Business Spotlights
Small Business Spotlight: The Smoke Shack - Serving Community, One Smoked Brisket at a Time
In the heart of Belmond, Iowa, a new gathering place has quickly become a favorite among locals craving comfort, connection, and real barbecue. The Smoke Shack, a family-owned barbecue restaurant and bar, opened its doors in March 2025, offering slow-smoked meats, homestyle sides, and a unique twist—signature smoked cocktails served in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Owners Brian Frye and Mikael Lage founded The Smoke Shack with a clear vision: to create a community hub where friends and neighbors could relax, reconnect, and enjoy honest food made with heart. After building lasting relationships in the Belmond community, Brian and Mikael felt a deep sense of responsibility to give something meaningful back to the town that had embraced them. Their goal wasn’t just to open a restaurant—it was to offer a reprieve from the daily grind, where guests could set aside life’s stresses and share moments around the table.
“Every day, we wake up excited to serve smiles alongside our smoked brisket,” said Brian. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing people connect over a meal we helped create—whether it’s a college student home on break, grandparents savoring our house-made banana pudding, or a farmer grabbing a brisket plate to-go after a long day.”
From the beginning, the journey to launch The Smoke Shack was supported by a trusted financial partner: Reliance State Bank. Their relationship began in December 2024, when Brian and Mikael began discussing financing options and business planning with the Garner branch team.
“Reliance State Bank believed in us from day one,” said Brian. “Even though our restaurant is in Belmond, the Garner team made us feel right at home. They didn’t just offer a loan—they treated us like family.”
With RSB’s help, The Smoke Shack secured a startup loan for construction and renovations, received valuable education on cash-flow management ahead of their grand opening, and gained guidance on how to keep their business operations as local as possible—something deeply important to Brian and Mikael. Most recently, the bank assisted them in securing a line of credit to support future expansion plans.
“Reliance State Bank has been more than a lender—they’ve been mentors and cheerleaders,” said Brian. “Their personalized support helped us navigate every financial hurdle, from equipment purchases to payroll planning. Their confidence in us gave us the courage to dream bigger, and thanks to them, we’re continuing to grow in a sustainable way.”
And yes, the bank team even comes down to enjoy the barbecue.
In just a few short months, The Smoke Shack has grown into more than just a restaurant—it’s a clear example of what can be achieved through strong local partnerships, community-minded values, and a commitment to quality service.