OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – For almost a decade now, they have been serving up the finest flame-related products. The Smoke ‘N’ Fire name says it all. They sell all things barbecue and all things fireplaces.
Jim and Joan Cattey started the company in 1999 after running a feed and farm store in Northern Missouri.
“We started winning barbecue grills,” Jim Cattey explains. “And as things progressed, we had a friend who was in the stove business and we started selling smoke equipment.”They are currently on their third location, at 8030 W. 151
st Street in Overland Park, Kansas. Each expansion more than doubled the space of their previous location – expansions they credit to loyal customers. Those customers come from all around the metro and all around the country by way of
the Internet.
Cattey says their customers count on their high quality product selection, and their knowledge of those products.
“We'll talk to clients and define how much durability they want, what type of ease of maintenance,” Cattey says. “What are the features that are important? And then the other point is the culinary range.”Smoke ‘N’ Fire’s service doesn't stop with the sale. They offer a number of classes and special events to ensure outdoor cooks use their new smokers or gas grills to their potential.“When somebody buys a new piece of equipment, we're using that equipment and we're teaching that and we're kind of in Ferrari mode,” Cattey says. “‘Let's go to driving school. Here's your equipment. Here's how it works.’ And that does teach barbecue by default.”Jim says when folks are done, they often return amazed that they are now cooking on a level they never dreamed of. And while outdoor grilling might be looked at as a guy thing, Jim says they have plenty of ladies who love to cook outdoors. They've assembled a huge selection of kitchen gadgets, spices and rubs to serve everyone.
And from filling up your stomach, to warming up your home, Smoke 'N' Fire also offers a complete line of high performance fire places.
“Basically, we do wood burning; we do pellet burning, alternative bio-mass fuel. We do gas,” Jim explains. “We do electric. So it's just a question of what fits that consumer. And they may have one of everything when they're done.”If Jim Cattey's name is familiar, chances are you've heard him on the radio. He does a weekly show on 810 WHB from spring to the fall each Wednesday, sharing barbecue tips and recipes.
