Smoke'N Ash BBQ Owner Patrick Hicks Has Died
Patrick Hicks, the co-owner of the renowned Arlington barbecue spot, passed away at age 60.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Barbecue
Patrick Hicks, who gained acclaim for merging Texas barbecue with Ethiopian flavors, died on October 6, 2026, at age 60. The restaurant located at 5904 S. Cooper St. in Arlington remains open for business.
Why it matters
Hicks helped redefine the local culinary landscape by blending diverse cultural traditions, garnering national recognition as a James Beard Award semifinalist in 2025. His work served as a unique bridge between Texas tradition and Ethiopian cuisine.
The restaurant operation began as a trailer in 2012 before expanding to a brick-and-mortar site at 5904 S. Cooper St. By 2018, the menu incorporated Ethiopian dishes that eventually led to a 2026 honor in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The players
Patrick Hicks
He was the co-owner of Smoke'N Ash BBQ who integrated Ethiopian cuisine into his traditional Texas barbecue menu.
Fasicka Hicks
She is the co-owner of Smoke'N Ash BBQ who was honored alongside Patrick Hicks in Ethiopia.
The details
Patrick and Fasicka Hicks successfully combined traditional Texas barbecue techniques with authentic Ethiopian cuisine. The duo built a loyal following starting from their original trailer, eventually moving into a permanent Arlington location.
Timeline
Patrick Hicks opened a barbecue trailer in 2012.
The restaurant began serving Ethiopian dishes in 2018.
The owners were named James Beard Award semifinalists in 2025.
The owners were honored in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 26, 2026.
Patrick Hicks died on October 6, 2026.
Culture Shift
The fusion of distinct culinary traditions reflects a broader shift toward inclusive, border-crossing dining experiences that challenge conventional regional tropes. This evolution mirrors the trajectory of other independent eateries that have successfully elevated immigrant foodways into the mainstream craft barbecue market.
The restaurant will continue serving customers, allowing patrons to support the business established by the Hicks family. Local residents and visitors can still visit the S. Cooper St. location to experience the unique culinary fusion that brought the establishment national acclaim.
The takeaway
The legacy of Patrick Hicks demonstrates how small businesses can achieve national stature by honoring both heritage and local culinary roots. Supporting such unique neighborhood staples helps preserve the diverse food culture that defines the Arlington area.
Further reading
For more coverage on local dining, visit the Barbecue section.
