Stateline Road Smokehouse
Stateline Road Smokehouse, established in August 2024 in Napa Valley, California, is the region’s first authentic Kansas City-style barbecue restaurant. Co-founded by Chef Darryl Bell, a Kansas City native with extensive culinary experience, and entrepreneur Jeremy Threat, the restaurant is located in a renovated auto body shop in Napa’s Rail Arts District. Chef Bell’s journey began in Missouri, and he trained at the Wylie Hospitality and Culinary Academy, gaining experience at Bouchon Bistro and transforming Press in St. Helena into a Michelin-rated venue. The Smokehouse features traditional barbecue smoked with custom Moberg smokers, blending Kansas City techniques with Napa influences. It boasts a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere with a focus on quality, authenticity, and regional innovation, quickly earning recognition including a James Beard Foundation nomination for Chef Bell.
News Summary
Chef Darryl Bell has opened Stateline Road Smokehouse in Napa Valley, bringing authentic Kansas City-style barbecue to the region. Co-owned with Jeremy Threat, the restaurant features a unique blend of traditional barbecue and upscale culinary influences, offering signature dishes and a welcoming atmosphere. With a focus on quality, Chef Bell’s meticulous approach has already garnered a nomination for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef California award.
Napa Valley, California – Chef Darryl Bell, a native of Kansas City, has brought authentic Kansas City-style barbecue to Napa Valley with the opening of Stateline Road Smokehouse in August 2024. This establishment marks the first true Kansas City barbecue restaurant in the region, co-owned with fellow entrepreneur Jeremy Threat.
Stateline Road Smokehouse is situated in a renovated auto body shop in Napa’s Rail Arts District and features an interior adorned with murals depicting Kansas City landmarks, as well as honoring culinary icons like chef Patrick Clark and Cassius Clay. The restaurant prides itself on combining traditional Kansas City barbecue with the upscale culinary influences characteristic of Napa Valley, creating a unique dining experience that appeals to both locals and visitors.
Chef Bell’s culinary journey began in Missouri, where gatherings with family ignited his passion for barbecue. He pursued formal training at the Wylie Hospitality and Culinary Academy, participating in the school’s culinary competition team and apprenticeship programs. Bell further honed his craft during an apprenticeship at the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center and later at Bouchon Bistro, the acclaimed restaurant owned by Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller. Over seven years at Bouchon, he ascended to the position of executive sous chef, gaining invaluable experience in fine dining.
After his tenure at Bouchon, he played a crucial role in transforming Press in St. Helena, California, into a Michelin-rated establishment. In 2022, he began promoting his barbecue style at the Napa Farmers Market, where he also introduced his 816 BBQ Sauce brand, which supports No Kid Hungry and the Rafiki Foundation.
Stateline Road Smokehouse features two custom 1,000-gallon Moberg smokers, allowing Chef Bell to prepare signature dishes such as “Kansas City-Invented Burnt Ends,” baby back ribs, brisket, chicken, and a variety of innovative sides. Notable side dishes include a cherry wood-smoked maitake salad and a gourmet macaroni and cheese option. The restaurant’s motto is “Chef-created, Napa-crafted, Kansas City true,” reflecting its commitment to quality and authenticity.
Designed to foster a welcoming environment, Stateline Road Smokehouse deviates from the typical dark and rugged atmosphere of traditional barbecue joints. It offers a family-friendly and pet-friendly patio, along with a selection of craft cocktails to enhance the dining experience.
Just six months after its grand opening, Chef Bell has already received a nomination for the James Beard Foundation’s prestigious 2025 Best Chef California award, highlighting the restaurant’s impact within the culinary community.
To ensure consistency in flavors, Chef Bell meticulously logs all cooking processes at the smokehouse, detailing the types and quantities of wood used for smoking meats. This dedication to detail, combined with Kansas City barbecue traditions, distinguishes Stateline Road Smokehouse amid Napa Valley’s elite dining scene, setting it apart as a must-visit destination for barbecue enthusiasts.
With Chef Darryl Bell at the helm, Stateline Road Smokehouse not only celebrates his Kansas City roots but also integrates local Napa influences, offering diners an exceptional blend of culinary excellence and regional tradition.
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Additional Resources
- Kansas City Magazine
- Napa Valley Register
- San Francisco Chronicle
- Visit California
- Press Democrat
- Wikipedia: Barbecue
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue
- Google Search: Napa Valley food
- Google Scholar: Napa Valley cuisine
- Google News: Stateline Road Smokehouse
