Arlington’s Smoke’N Ash BBQ takes their fusion barbecue to Ethiopia
Patrick and Fasicka Hicks of Smoke’N Ash BBQ in Arlington are sharing their fusion Texas-Ethiopian barbecue in the place it’s inspired from.
U.S. Ambassador for Ethiopia Ervin Massinga welcomed the couple of chefs Wednesday, May 20 in Addis Ababa, the Capital of Ethiopia, to highlight their culinary innovation and entrepreneurship as a part of the 250th celebration of America. Addis Ababa is where Fasicka is from.
Smoke’N Ash started as a Texas barbecue joint before the Hickses added the Ethiopian flair to the menu. Fasicka told the City of Arlington, “I decided to do something with the Ethiopian part of it because I was really bored with just smoking meat.”
When they added Ethiopian choices is when they really started to get popular. They are known for their “thick and peppery” pork ribs, hickory-smoked brisket and Tex-Ethiopian platter.
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Smoke’N Ash has been recognized by Texas Monthly’s acclaimed barbecue list and the Texas Michelin guide. The New York Times described the Tex-Ethiopian platter as “a thing of beauty.” And in 2025, the pair were semifinalists for “Best Chef: Texas” James Beard Awards for national culinary achievement.
“What started as a dream at Smoke’N Ash BBQ has become an opportunity to share our story, our food, and our passion for culinary innovation and entrepreneurship,” Smoke’N Ash wrote in a Facebook post.
In June, the couple will attend the 2026 James Beard Award Finals as nominees for Best Chef in Texas for the second year in a row.