News Summary
Blue Kuna Smokehouse has opened in Plymouth, offering high-quality smoked meats and scratch-made sides. Owner Randall Kuna has transformed the dining space, creating an inviting atmosphere after extensive renovations. The menu features traditional barbecue alongside unique specials, appealing to local tastes. Kuna’s culinary journey and dedication to community spirit set the stage for a new culinary hotspot in town.
Blue Kuna Smokehouse: A Fresh Taste in Plymouth
Plymouth’s culinary scene just got a delicious upgrade with the opening of Blue Kuna Smokehouse, a fantastic new restaurant that specializes in succulent smoked meats and delectable scratch-made sides. Nestled at 600 W. Ann Arbor Trail, this local eatery has taken over the charming spot that once housed Max & Bella’s Smokehouse.
A Chef’s Journey to Smokehouse Excellence
Owner and pitmaster, Randall Kuna, is no stranger to the kitchen, having honed his barbecue craftsmanship for nearly a decade. He is all about creating flavorful, small-batch sauces and dry rubs that elevate the traditional barbecue fare. A unique touch he brings to his smoking process is the use of kiln-dried wood, which he claims gives a cleaner flavor and burns faster than conventional wood.
The menu at Blue Kuna Smokehouse features a mouthwatering array of traditional barbecue staples, including brisket, pulled pork, and ribs. However, it doesn’t stop there! Guests will be delighted to discover unique weekly specials, such as Jamaican chicken wings, bourbon-smoked salmon, and pork belly burnt ends. And don’t forget about the sides! How about some coleslaw, molasses baked beans, jalapeño cornbread, and smoky mac and cheese to round out that feast?
Kuna and his team are dedicated to catering the menu to local tastes while maintaining high-quality versions of these beloved classics. Since opening last month, they have experienced an overwhelmingly positive response, with rib sales surpassing all expectations.
Revamping the Space for a Unique Experience
Upon taking over the space, Kuna prioritized renovations that would create a welcoming atmosphere for diners. The first stage of remodeling focused on the upstairs dining area, where they installed fresh carpet, added cozy cushions, and crafted custom tables from wood sourced from a local craftsman.
Even the restroom underwent a significant transformation, being completely gutted and rebuilt from its former life as a locked storage area. Such attention to detail has allowed Blue Kuna Smokehouse to present a warm and inviting dining environment that patrons are sure to appreciate.
A Culinary Passion Unfolds
Randall Kuna’s culinary path has been quite an adventure. He started young, washing dishes at Bode’s Corned Beef House in Plymouth at just 13 years old. His experiences at various local restaurants led him to significant acclaim at The Earle in Ann Arbor, eventually propelling him toward formal culinary education.
After years as a private chef, he began developing his line of barbecue sauces and rubs while running a small catering business. When the pandemic struck, he decided to take a leap and add skills in welding and fabrication to his repertoire, believing this diversification would help him balance trades with his seasonal barbecue endeavors.
The universe aligned beautifully when he was offered the chance to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant in his hometown—a moment that marked a turning point in his career. Reflecting on his journey, he admits that returning to Plymouth has felt “surreal,” particularly as he once took the town for granted.
Collaboration and Community Spirit
Randall Kuna is not alone in this venture; his partner, Noelle Bonsall, plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of the restaurant. She manages everything from organization and decorating to ensuring cleanliness and updating signs. Together, they embody the spirit of community, committed to providing joyous experiences to each patron that walks through the door.
As Kuna and Bonsall work enthusiastically every day to ensure customer satisfaction, they hope to carve out their place in Plymouth’s vibrant gastronomic landscape. The smokehouse is not just a restaurant; it’s a labor of love dedicated to the art of barbecue and the joy of bringing people together around good food.
So, if you’re in the Plymouth area and craving some high-quality barbecue in an inviting space, don’t hesitate to stop by Blue Kuna Smokehouse for a delightful meal!
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Additional Resources
- Hometown Life: Blue Kuna Smokehouse
- Wikipedia: Barbecue
- Hometown Life: Plymouth Restaurants Roundup
- Google Search: Culinary Trends
- Hometown Life: Community Events in Plymouth
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
