B. J. Smith’s Third Smokehouse Opens in Vancouver

This just in by press release: Tonight, October 7, chef B. J. Smith will open his third full-fledged restaurant, Smokehouse Provisions, serving barbecue, other smoked food, salads, burgers, and more, at 8058 E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA. When Eater broke word of the restaurant in March, Smith said Smokehouse Provisions would stay true to his other Smokehouses, while adding some more entrees, salads, and burgers. The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner seven days a week.

But there’s another big develop: Joining Smith is Maya Erickson, a celebrated San Francisco pastry chef, known for creating the sexy desserts at Lazy Bear. Charged with leading the bread, dessert, and brunch programs at every Smokehouse location, Erickson will soon launch brunch and dessert menus at Smokehouse Provisions.

Looking for more info on what Smokehouse Provisions will serve? Some highlights announced in the press release: Pig ear pork rinds; pulled pork poutine; bacon molasses cornbread; the Smokehouse burger, with smoked bone marrow butter, bacon-onion jam, and American cheese; heirloom beet salad with arugula, smoked hazelnuts, whipped goat cheese, Bee Local honey vinaigrette; and smoked chicken from Draper Valley Farms.

Smith’s decision to open a restaurant in Vancouver likely marks a shift in the restaurant market. Speaking with The Columbian, he said “Vancouver is asking for it,” describing Portland as an “oversaturated market.” "The biggest thing for all of us was seeing awesome restaurants like Cocotte and Levant close," Smith told Eater in spring 2016. "I think it's a huge symbol of what's happening in Portland—there are actually good restaurants here, and there're a lot of them."

Smith has been busy. After opening Smokehouse 21 in 2011, he opened his follow-up restaurant, Smokehouse Tavern, in March 2015. Then, taking up prime real estate inside of Pine Street Market, restaurateur Earl Ninsom (PaaDee, Langbaan) opened Kim Jong Smokehouse September 24, a collaboration with Smith and Kim Jong Grillin's Han Ly Hwang.

• Smokehouse Provisions [Official]
• All Previous Smokehouse Provisions Coverage [EPDX]