Forged in Fire: Steelsmith Smokehouse Brings Authentic Slow-Smoked BBQ to Cornwall

The local culinary scene is about to heat up. Cornwall is officially getting its very first dedicated BBQ food truck, and owners Ian Kent and Melanie Jodoin-Kent are ready to deliver an uncompromising, authentic barbecue experience to the community, right from the Canadian Tire parking lot at 201 Ninth St E.

Born out of a kitchen in 2023, Steelsmith Smokehouse began as a passionate quest to craft the perfect homemade BBQ sauce. That initial recipe—the widely loved Stacking Dimes—quickly gained a loyal following, paving the way for the spicier Blast Furnace and the bold Gold Rush. Before long, barbecue enthusiasts from across the province were taking notice.

What started as a hobby quickly evolved into a competitive powerhouse. In 2024 and 2025, Steelsmith took the amateur barbecue circuit by storm, taking home awards at every single competition they entered. The momentum didn't stop there; in May 2026, the couple stepped up to the Pro KCBS (Kansas City Barbeque Society) competitions, proving their chops against the best in the business. "We realized this was something Cornwall was missing, and we felt we had the opportunity to help fill that gap," Ian and Melanie shared. "Competing gave us invaluable experience while allowing us to meet so many great people. Those experiences inspired us to take the next step and share our food with the community—not just with judges, but with everyone who appreciates great barbecue."

To bring this vision to life, they needed the perfect vessel, and the name "Steelsmith" serves as a literal reflection of the business's foundation. The food truck itself is a custom-built marvel, engineered from the ground up by Ian, a skilled machinist and welder. "As a skilled tradesman, it was important to Ian to take on as much of the work himself as possible," Melanie explained. "Not only did this allow him to apply his craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout the project, but it also ensured that every aspect of the build was completed exactly the way he envisioned it."

That same dedication to hands-on craftsmanship translates directly to their menu. In an industry where speed is often prioritized over quality, Steelsmith Smokehouse is taking a bold stand: no fryers, no shortcuts, and all sides prepared entirely on the smoker. "Our goal is to set ourselves apart and bring something unique to the community while staying true to the traditional methods of barbecue cooking," the Kents noted. "Taking the time to prepare and smoke our food using time-honoured techniques creates an authentic experience that barbecue lovers can truly appreciate."

For Steelsmith Smokehouse, barbecue is fundamentally about bringing people together. Already serving as a certified KCBS Table Captain and with three weddings booked before the service window has even opened, the local and competitive BBQ communities have rallied behind the new venture. "If we had to define success, it would be seeing a saucy face and a full belly," Ian and Melanie joked, adding, "In all seriousness, having our community enjoy and evaluate our food means far more to us than a handful of judging slips ever could."

To celebrate this milestone, Steelsmith Smokehouse is going all out for their highly anticipated launch at the Canadian Tire lot. Visitors on opening day will be treated to a festive atmosphere complete with balloons, incredible aromas, and free sugar-free beverages served up by local business KAtea to pair perfectly with the BBQ. Attendees will also be among the first to try exclusive samples of Steelsmith’s signature sweet hot dog burnt ends. Additionally, anyone who purchases a meal on opening day can enter their name into a grand prize draw to win a free meal of their choice.

As they put the final touches on their custom rig, Ian Kent and Melanie Jodoin-Kent are ready to redefine outdoor dining in the region, bringing friends, family, and the community together over truly great food.

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🎉 Grand Opening Celebrations

Steelsmith Smokehouse is going all out for their highly anticipated launch at the Canadian Tire parking lot (201 Ninth St E). When you visit the custom-built truck on opening day, you can expect:

• Free Refreshments: Local business KAtea will be on-site serving up free sugar-free beverages to pair perfectly with your BBQ.
• Exclusive Samples: Be among the first to try samples of Steelsmith’s signature sweet hot dog burnt ends.
• A Festive Atmosphere: Balloons, community connections, and incredible aromas.
• The Grand Prize Draw: Purchase a meal on opening day and enter your name into a draw to win a free meal of your choice.

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📅 Event Details

• Date: June 25th
• Time: 11am Ceremony
• Open from 11am - 7pm

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