From a leap of faith in 2013 to becoming Ashe County's most-awarded BBQ brand, Kristin's journey is one of grit, flavor, and heart. With 22 awards — including Carolina Country Magazine's NC's Finest BBQ (2024) and NC's Finest Food Truck (2022) — every plate tells a story of passion and dedication.
From humble backyard beginnings to becoming the High Country's premier BBQ catering service, every step of our journey has been seasoned with passion, dedication, and authentic flavors.
2013
On July 24, 2013, Kristin started her BBQ journey when Mike Aloia made her the deal of a lifetime. She became the owner of When Pigs Fly of Ashe, BBQ & Wings, knowing nothing about BBQ.
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2016
November 1, 2016 marked a major milestone with the move and complete remodel of When Pigs Fly, setting the stage for continued success.
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2018-2019
Kristin moved to her grannie's kitchen at Shatley Springs and kept racking up awards. She earned 5 more Ashe Post & Times Best of the Best awards, including Best Wings for the 5th year in a row!
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2020
February 2020 brought the birth of Kristin's Hook'd on Smoke. She purchased the food truck and fed Ashe County through a global pandemic, continuing to accumulate repeat customers and prestigious awards.
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2025
As Kristin begins a new chapter of her life and shifts her focus to catering, one thing is certain: delicious BBQ is on the horizon for all her future endeavors.
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See what others are saying about Kristin's incredible journey and award-winning BBQ.
All About Women - August 2021
Mountain Times
Featured Article
All About Women - August 2021
Mountain Times
In Ashe County, a bright orange truck offers award-winning barbecue, hospitality and is praised by both locals and visitors to the area. Kristin's Hook'd on Smoke food truck can be spotted on weekdays in downtown West Jefferson and at festivals and events throughout the year. "Feeding faces" and making a name for herself over the years as a mouthy, barbecue connoisseur is owner Kristin Howell. The path which led her to this place in her life — which she said is the happiest she has been —was not an easy one, with several bumps and setbacks.
Phoenix
By Isabel Stellato
Featured Story
Phoenix
By Isabel Stellato
Parked in the heart of West Jefferson, Kristin's Hooked on Smoke is a food truck run by a strong-willed mother and daughter duo. Locals and tourists alike come for the good food and personable vibes of the chef, Kristin Howell. A single mother, Kristin has battled through countless adversities to support herself and her child, including the fear of missing out on important moments in her daughter's childhood. Her love for her 15-year-old daughter, Whitley, has been the force behind her unyielding perseverance.
Over a decade of excellence recognized by our community and industry peers
Ashe Mountain Times
Best lunch restaurant in Ashe County
