Commission OKs Manhattan BBQ Spot Smoker Storage, Sends Back To Board
MANHATTAN, IL — An incoming Manhattan BBQ spot’s proposed use of a cargo shipping container to store its meat smoker has cleared a significant hurdle, with the village’s Planning and Zoning Commission’s unanimous approval earlier this week.
Manhattan resident Mike Bacon is readying his Arrowhead Smoke Works to open at 195 S. State St., and previously pitched use of the a container to house the smoker to Village trustees. To be built on the property but separate from the restaurant, the shipping container concept has met with some resistance from officials, with some voicing concerns about aesthetics in a developing downtown.
Use of the container would go against current village code, which restricts such use. Bacon’s proposal prompted the need for an update to the code, Mayor Mike Adrieansen said. The suggested amendment to the code would require any business seeking to use a similar container apply for a special use permit. That change went before the commission Tuesday, July 23, along with Bacon’s application for the special use permit for his specific cargo container. Both were unanimously approved. Any future requests would be subject to the same process, Adrieansen said, first going before the commission and requiring final approval by the village board.
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“The process is designed to regulate the placement of storage containers, ensuring they are not placed arbitrarily,” Adrieansen said. “The village board retains discretion to approve or deny these permits.
“This process ensures orderly placement and oversight of storage containers, maintaining the village’s aesthetic and functional standards.”
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Renderings of the container show it matches the exterior of the main building—painted black, with the same Arrowhead Smokehouse branding and gold accents, including a hammered gold awning to match the building’s front facade. A door and window are shown, with the firebox and wood rack outside. A smoke stack extends out of the roof. 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 trying to just find the best way for everybody to be able to house a smoker outside on the property, to be able to make delicious meat,” Bacon said.
Trustee Dave Beemsterboer last month said he was concerned about setting a precedent that would lead to other businesses requesting something similar. He’s worried it could set back officials’ beautification efforts in the downtown.
“I do not want a container dropped in the middle of downtown Manhattan,” Beemsterboer said during a previous board meeting.
This storage container concept is common, Bacon said when he previously pitched it to the board, with the closest example at Matt’s Barbecue in Lemont. The container is needed to shelter the smoker from rain, while also keeping the public safe and storing materials. The container would be accessible only by staff. The fire is outside, with the interior of the chamber hitting 250 degrees. Meat is wrapped up and done, then processed inside the restaurant.
“I wasn’t aware of the hot topic storage container rules when I mentioned the concept,” Bacon said Friday. “I explained my vision with examples and incorporated the guidance given to me by the fire department at the board meeting.
“The smoker currently being fabricated in Texas is large and needs to be enclosed and protected for many reasons. I was open to any and all ideas that the Village recommended for an enclosure. A modified storage unit is common for this application. When done right, they can be pretty neat. I truly appreciate the village board working with us to find the best option.”
The special use permit now goes back to the village board for approval, set for its August 5 agenda, Adrieansen said.
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“Our board consists of 7 members, including myself, and while some may have had reservations about the initial idea during our open discussion, I am confident that the latest renderings of the storage container will win them over,” 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, who owns Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company in New Lenox, picked Manhattan for his newest venture because of his ties to the town. Mulling the ideas of pop-ups, food trucks, or a small location, a prior collaboration with the Village of Manhattan came to mind. Bacon had partnered with Manhattan officials previously on themed beer Manhoppenins.
“This is a great addition to our community and especially our downtown area,” said Mayor Mike Adrieansen previously, of Arrowhead Smoke Works. “We started discussing this opportunity with Arrowhead soon after our downtown development plan was approved in 2023, and we believe this will be a great catalyst for future downtown development.”
Bacon was envisioning a small space, but said the firehouse seemed too good to pass up.
“… The Firehouse was a little bigger than I was thinking to get started, but the opportunity was right there,” Bacon said, “and I couldn’t let this pass by without giving it a shot, so here we are.
“At Arrowhead Ales, we’ve always had a side passion for BBQ. As many people know, we’ve offered BBQ in a lot of different settings over the years. Triple Play Concerts, Manhattan Pork and Pint, and Sons of the American Legion Rib cook-off, to name just a few. We really never have any intentions on turning Arrowhead Ales into a BBQ joint.”
Arrowhead Smoke Works is expected to offer a simple, but well-executed menu covering many different styles of BBQ.
“We’re looking to offer a small menu mainly consisting of brisket, pork, ribs, wings and some other surprises as we get creative,” Bacon said. “We will also offer catering. The space is small, in restaurant terms, so inventory could be limited, and some items could sell out rather quickly. We’re going to have some limited indoor and patio dining, but the main focus will be on carry-out and catering. “
Signature sandwiches will also appear on the menu, as well as distinct styles of 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 great opportunity for BBQ and craft beer in this community….”
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