Commission Approves Manhattan BBQ Spot Smoker Storage, Sends It Back to Council

MANHATTAN, IL — A new Manhattan BBQ joint’s proposal to use a shipping container as a storage facility for its meat smoker has cleared a major hurdle, with the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approving the project earlier this week.

Manhattan resident Mike Bacon is preparing his Arrowhead Smoke Works at 195 S. State St. and has previously proposed using a shipping container to house the smoker to village officials. The shipping container concept, which would be built on the site but separate from the restaurant, has faced some resistance from officials, with some expressing concerns about the aesthetics in a developing downtown area.

The use of the container would violate the current village code, which restricts such use. According to Mayor Mike Adrieansen, Bacon’s proposal called for an update to the code. The proposed code change would require any business wishing to use a similar container to apply for a special use permit. That change was presented to the commission on Tuesday, July 23, along with Bacon’s application for the special use permit for his specific cargo container. Both were approved unanimously. Any future requests would go through the same process, Adrieansen said, first going to the commission and requiring final approval by the village board.

“The process is designed to regulate the placement of storage containers so that they are not placed arbitrarily,” Adrieansen said. “The village board retains the authority to approve or deny these permits.

“This process ensures orderly placement and supervision of the storage containers, thus maintaining the aesthetic and functional standards of the village.”

Renderings of the container show it matching the exterior of the main building: painted black, with the same Arrowhead Smokehouse branding, and gold accents, including a hammered gold canopy that matches the building’s facade. A door and window are shown, with the firebox and wood rack outside. A chimney protrudes from the roof. In keeping with the branding, “Seek the fire, follow the smoke” will be painted on the side of the container that faces the train tracks.

“We’re just trying to figure out the best way to get everyone to have a smoker outside on their property so they can cook great meat,” Bacon said.

Trustee Dave Beemsterboer said last month he was concerned about setting a precedent that would lead other businesses to ask for something similar. He fears it could deter officials’ beautification efforts downtown.

“I don’t want a container to be put in the middle of downtown Manhattan,” Beemsterboer said during an earlier board meeting.

This storage container concept is common, Bacon said when he presented it to the board earlier, with the closest example being Matt’s Barbecue in Lemont. The container is needed to protect the smoker from rain, while also keeping the public safe and storing materials. The container would be accessible only to staff. The fire is outdoors, with the temperature in the room reaching 250 degrees. Meat is wrapped and cooked, then processed in the restaurant.

“I was not aware of the hot topic of storage container regulations when I mentioned the concept,” Bacon said Friday. “I explained my vision with examples and incorporated the guidelines the fire department gave me during the board meeting.

“The smoker currently made in Texas is large and needs to be enclosed and protected for many reasons. I was open to any ideas the village suggested for an enclosure. A custom storage unit is common for this application. When done right, they can look quite nice. I really appreciate the village board working with us to find the best option.”

The special use permit now goes back to the village council for approval, with the agenda scheduled for August 5, Adrieansen said.

“Our board consists of 7 members, including myself, and while some may have had reservations about the original idea during our open discussion, I am confident that the latest renderings of the storage container will convince them,” Adrieansen said. “Our focus remains on supporting our business community and we have worked effectively with Mike Bacon to bring his new restaurant to Manhattan.”

Bacon, owner of Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company in New Lenox, chose Manhattan for his latest venture because of his ties to the city. As he considered pop-ups, food trucks or a small venue, a previous collaboration with the Village of Manhattan came to mind. Bacon had previously worked with Manhattan officials on themed beers from Manhoppenins.

“This is a tremendous addition to our community and specifically our downtown,” Mayor Mike Adrieansen previously said of Arrowhead Smoke Works. “We began discussing this opportunity with Arrowhead shortly after our downtown development plan was approved in 2023, and we believe this will be a tremendous catalyst for future downtown development.”

Bacon had a small space in mind, but said the fire station was too good to pass up.

“…The Firehouse was a little bigger than I originally thought, but the opportunity presented itself right away,” Bacon said, “and I couldn’t pass it up, so here we are.

“At Arrowhead Ales we have always had a passion for BBQ. As many of you know, we have offered BBQ in many different settings over the years. Triple Play Concerts, Manhattan Pork and Pint, and Sons of the American Legion Rib cook-offs to name a few. We never really intended for Arrowhead Ales to be a BBQ joint.”

Arrowhead Smoke Works is expected to offer a simple, yet well-executed menu that covers many different styles of BBQ.

“We want to offer a small menu that’s primarily brisket, pork, ribs, wings and some other surprises, while getting creative,” Bacon said. “We’ll also be offering catering. The space is small, in restaurant terms, so inventory can be limited and some items can sell out pretty quickly. We’re going to have some limited indoor and patio dining, but the focus will be mostly on takeout and catering.”

Signature sandwiches will also appear on the menu, as well as several types of spare ribs.

“We are excited to bring our passion for high-quality craft food and beer to Manhattan,” said owner Mike Bacon. “I live in Manhattan and see a tremendous opportunity for BBQ and craft beer in this community…”