The name Dave Dettra is synonymous with Jellyroll, the party dance band in which he’s been playing keyboard for 37 years. But music is not his only passion. Ten years ago, he and his wife became interested in barbecue. “We started traveling to different regions that specialize in barbecue including Texas,” says Dettra. The couple decided to open a restaurant and searched for years for the perfect spot. Four years ago they found it in Smyrna, and renovated the former City Tap Pizza Pub & Grille to open Maverick Texas BBQ and Smyrna Music Hall.
The couple’s restaurant will serve traditional, Texas-style barbecue and will also have live music up to four nights a week. “My wife and I will be smoking the food (think: ribs, brisket and sausage) and making the sides,” says Dettra.
He says they settled on Smyrna for a number of reasons. For one, the building was the perfect backdrop for their restaurant. “We looked at a lot of other locations but we were attracted to the vibe. The building looks like a building in an old Texas town. We have also been very welcomed by the people of Smyrna,” he says.
Dettra had originally hoped to open the restaurant in June but ran into some delays with renovations and inspections. The restaurant will be open Friday, Sept. 29; Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1, from 4–10 p.m. The menu will include brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, sausage and a selection of sides.
More information:
Maverick Texas BBQ and Smyrna Music Hall
19 W. Commerce St., Smyrna
(215) 806-2184
