In the summer of 2011, Dennis Keck and some close friends were sitting around hanging out at a local bar and debating who could make the best snoots. Later that year, they competed in their first competition and won first place for their snoots, with all proceeds donated to the Red Cross for 9/11 victims.

On Labor Day 2009, they took it up a notch and formed 4 Smokin’ Butts in Millstadt. They customized and built their own 20-foot trailer packed with barbecue equipment so they could compete all over the region. Over a four-year period from 2009-13, they have competed in more than 100 barbecue competitions across 13 states.

This year, owners Dennis and Cindy Keck seek to increase awareness to the community and provide a steady, efficient and accommodating place for their customers to eat.

“Our goal is to make sure every customer leaves happy and with a full belly!” they said.