Up In Smoke Is Ready To Open New Location In Waite Park

The wait is (almost) over!

It's been over four months since we have been able to sink our teeth into our favorite Central Minnesota barbecue, as Up In Smoke closed on Christmas Eve 2025 to move across Waite Park to its brand-new location.

After a long process of designing, building, inspections and hiring, Up In Smoke is ready to open its doors to the public on Saturday, April 25th! Their new restaurant is located in Marketplace Mall in Waite Park- near Fuji Steakhouse.

Up In Smoke, which was named the best barbecue in Minnesota by the Star Tribune in 2025, will feature brand-new menu items alongside favorites from the old location. In addition, the new spot will have more seating for guests to dine-in and will eventually offer breakfast a few days a week.

“We want to thank everyone for supporting us,” owner Tim Hoefer. “Without the support of our customers, we wouldn’t be in this position."