Plainfield smokehouse expands into Yorkville

Inspired from the heart of central Texas, renowned chef Brad Hudetz and his brother Justin bring to Yorkville wood-smoked barbecue so tender that no sauce is necessary.

Yorkville recently welcomed the family-owned Station One Smokehouse with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and lines of hungry guests wrapped out the doors.

After winning multiple best-in-Will County recognitions in their first location in a repurposed old fire station in downtown Plainfield, the Hudetz brothers imported three massive smokers fabricated in Texas for their larger Yorkville smokehouse.

“It’s more of an art than a science,” business manager Justin Hudetz. “We have trained pit masters who keep an eye on the smoking meats and know from experience when they are done. One of the biggest things that sets us apart is we cook 100% on wood instead of shortcutting with gas or electric. I know people will taste the difference and walk away with appreciation for how we smoke the authentic way.”

The complicated process involves smoking the meats – such as the star-attraction brisket – for 16 hours before letting them sizzle for another 12 to 16 hours as they tenderize and become more juicy.

“It’s been so rewarding watching the reaction from the public and reading the positive reviews and recognitions we receive."

—  Justin Hudetz, Station One Smokehouse business manager

Chef Brad’s passion was distilled while experimenting with smoking different meats in his parents-owned butcher shop in Naperville. From there, he went on to manage the famed Green Street Smoked Meats in downtown Chicago, where he cooked for the 2016 Chicago Cubs World Series championship party with Theo Epstein and the likes of actor Bill Murray.

Brad fell in love with central Texas barbecue because the tradition is focused on the artistry of seasoning and smoking leftover meats in a way that produces mouthwatering tenderness.

“Brad’s the kind of guy that loves barbecue so much he takes his family on vacation to Texas and pulls shifts at old smokehouses to rub elbows with the best smokers and trade tips,” Justin Hudetz said. “It’s so rewarding when you talk to guests and they say they love everything on the menu. In Plainfield, we always see a lot of familiar faces, and we hope to build that same relationship with the Yorkville community. Since opening, the community has been so welcoming.”

Inspired by central Texas dining tradition, their restaurant features cafeteria-style dining, where you walk up to the meat carver and pick out your meats as you move down the line past each of the tasty samples. You can order by the half-pound or get a slice of everything, from brisket to pastrami, to discover your favorites. A top standout side is their homemade cornbread with honey butter melting on top.

Justin Hudetz said reporter Steve Dolinsky filmed a special on their meats for “The Hungry Hound” on ABC, and barbecue sauce entrepreneur Sweet Baby Ray himself came to their restaurant not once but twice.

Justin Hudetz said he loves watching families order a giant plate and split up the meats in a communal way, as opposed to ordering individual plates. The whole experience is designed to bring families and friends together.

“We’re family-owned, and we care about the communities we are a part of,” he said. “We are so proud to get involved with a lot of the local schools and sports teams. It’s been so rewarding watching the reaction from the public and reading the positive reviews and recognitions we receive.

“Opening up a restaurant takes hard work and determination, but if you have a great product, people will embrace you. I hope people get that family feel every time they are here.”