Roy Merriman, known throughout Smithville, Tennessee as Fireman One, has become a local legend—not only for fighting fires, but for igniting taste buds with his masterful barbecue. After a long and respected career as a firefighter in Smithville, Roy traded in his fire helmet for a smoker, embarking on a second act that would make him a fixture in the local food scene.
Roy’s barbecue journey started simply, with a small smoker in his backyard and a desire to bring people together over good food. He began by cooking for friends and family, perfecting his technique and experimenting with flavors. Encouraged by rave reviews from those early taste testers, Roy took his barbecue public, setting up at the Saturday farmers market in Smithville. His reputation for mouthwatering smoked meats grew quickly.
Roy’s offerings pay homage to classic Southern barbecue, featuring smoked chicken wings, leg quarters, halves, baby back ribs, pulled pork, and pulled chicken. Yet, it’s his beef brisket that truly sets him apart. Each brisket is slow-smoked for 15 hours, resulting in a cut so tender and flavorful that “melt-in-your-mouth” doesn’t quite do it justice. Barbecue aficionados from near and far have declared it among the best they’ve ever tasted.
What distinguishes Roy’s barbecue is his meticulous attention to detail. Every cut of meat is seasoned with his proprietary dry rub, a blend of spices he developed through years of trial and error. Roy believes the secret to great brisket lies not just in the rub or the smoke, but in the preparation. He emphasizes the importance of properly trimming the brisket, knowing exactly which fats to leave on for moisture and flavor, and which to remove to avoid greasiness. This careful preparation, combined with his patience and skill at the smoker, results in barbecue that stands out in a crowded field.
Roy’s barbecue became even more accessible when he launched his food truck, which parked daily beside the MAPCO gas station in Smithville.
Though Roy has since sold the truck, his presence at the DeKalb Farmers Market every Saturday ensures that his signature smoked meats remain a staple for barbecue lovers in the area. He also takes orders by phone or text, making it easy for fans to get their fix.
Behind the scenes, Roy’s family is a steady source of support and inspiration. His wife, Lisa Merriman, helps coordinate the business and keeps things running smoothly, while their daughters—Kelsie Merriman, a master’s student at Western Kentucky University, and Kayla Merriman, a stay-at-home mother raising their three grandchildren in Smithville—remain a close-knit part of his life.
For anyone seeking authentic, expertly crafted Tennessee barbecue, Fireman One’s stand at the DeKalb Farmers Market is a must-visit. Roy Merriman’s dedication to his craft, his community, and his family continues to make him a true Smithville original.
Fireman One Barbecue - Smithville Farmer’s Market – Saturdays 9am -11am. To Order – Call or Text 615-464-0344.
About the Author - Mark MyGrant is a retired educator turned food writer and blogger. Read all of Mark’s blogs at https://whatscookingsmithville.com.
