This Guy’s Got Flavor

Searcy Smoke N Grill a barbecue standout

Usually when someone talks about “This Guy,” it signals the start of a fun story. And at This Guy’s Smoke N Grill in Searcy, that story is told one plate at a time.

This Guy’s owner is Thurman McCroskey, who has operated the tastefully decorated and neat-as-a-pin barbecue joint since 2019. He had a dream of owning a restaurant for many years and is now living it. He credits the support of his church, his wife and family for the restaurant’s success.

McCroskey developed his culinary skills by catering for church events, weddings and other occasions, which he still does today. He has a love for cooking and “tinkering” in the kitchen with recipes. His employees enjoy his experiments, as they get to try his creations.

According to McCroskey, he and his staff miscommunicated on such an experiment once. “I had cooked a hamburger for my meal and walked away for a few minutes. When I returned, my creation was gone,” he said. “They thought it was an item for them to sample.”

My waitress advised me to try a Pick 4 Sampler to commence the food parade. This Guy’s Wings, featuring bone-in chicken, came out piping hot, with a nice smoky flavor accented by a secret dry rub recipe. I also enjoyed Fried Dill Pickle Chips that were hand-breaded and fried to a golden-brown goodness. The Fried Green Beans were a fabulous way to tell my doctor that I ate my vegetables. I loved the comforting Mac & Cheese
Bites that had a hint of jalapeño, balanced by ranch dressing for dipping.

The Smoke N Salad featured iceberg lettuce, chopped carrots, purple cabbage, diced tomato, shredded cheese and croutons topped with delicious pulled, smoked pork. I added ranch dressing and This Guy’s North Carolina Sauce. Other barbecue sauces include Memphis, Kansas City Sweet, Texas Bold, House or Smoke N Grill. I tried and liked all of them. Let me know your favorite after you visit. McCroskey makes his own sauces and rubs, so if he has been tinkering, there might be a new flavor to sample.

If you are in the mood for a burger but also want barbecue, This Guy’s has the answer. The Smoke Stack featured a half-pound Angus hand-patted hamburger (chicken breast is another option) topped with pepper jack cheese, sliced smoked sausage, bacon, Kansas City Sweet barbecue sauce and smoked pulled pork on a toasted bun.

The Smoke N Nachos were fun to enjoy, loaded chip by loaded chip. They included a pile of house-cooked tortilla chips topped with smoked brisket (other choices are pulled pork or chicken), This Guy’s Original Barbecue sauce, housemade cheese sauce and jalapeños. Each bite delivered a unique culinary experience.

Desserts included fried pies, hand-dipped ice cream, shakes, cheesecake and a signature Caramel Brownie ’Splosion. I ordered the ’Splosion and was blown away by the warm caramel brownie topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with caramel and chocolate sauces along with a generous portion of whipped cream. I paused before spooning into the work of art. The flavor matched the beauty of the sweet treat.

“We have a good restaurant, and the Lord has blessed us,” McCroskey said. “My staff is fantastic. Some started working for me in high school and now have families and still work at This Guy’s. They are like family.”

I can attest to This Guy’s hospitality. The staff treated me like family during my visit. I am sure they will do the same for you.