Sugarfire Smoke House opens in Cape

Sugarfire Cape officially opened its doors 10:53 a.m. Wednesday with a loud cheer from its employees and a line of hungry-for-barbecue customers.

Located at 118 Siemers Drive, the latest "fast casual" restaurant in Cape Girardeau is owned and operated by Doug Lang, who has joined forces with Sugarfire founder and chef Mike Johnson, Matt Martin and Jim Cook to open the 11th location but first in Southeast Missouri.

Lang explained the long-standing business relationship with Ole Hickory Pits attracted the restaurant to Cape Girardeau. Ole Hickory is the brand of barbecue pit used in all Sugarfire locations, he said.

"The thing we like about Sugarfire is that each one of them will have the same food and same general ambiance," he said. "It's fast-casual, great barbecue fare, but we put our own spin on things."

The 5,000-square foot structure -- constructed by Columbia Construction -- is adorned with location-specific details, including shipping container-styled room dividers, which serve as a rooftop over booths, and a "shakes and beer" station positioned at the entrance, offering cookies, pies and "boozy milkshakes."

Each has been hand-painted by local artist Phil Jarvis to create "a sensory overload of scenes to explore," according to a news release.

Sugarfire Cape seats approximately 100 guests -- requires nearly 60 employees -- and was predominately built using reclaimed materials from Barry Kraft's Reclaim Renew. The menu is displayed across backlit chalkboards, all drawn by owner Matt Martin. Behind the counter are "Sugarfire flames," formed entirely of glass by local artist Red Keel, the release stated.

Sugarfire Smoke House staples are brisket, pulled pork and ribs, as well as its signature sandwiches and sides.

"Specials and special sides, those change daily," said Dakota Suhre, general manager of the Cape franchise.

Food at Sugarfire Cape is prepared fresh each day, Lang said.

There also is unique outside dining.

Lang said he believes the restaurant to be "one of the cooler patios in the area."

A refurbished 1965 Chevy is parked to the side of the building -- with a bar top on the back -- serving as the outdoor bar area.

It has a fire pit in the center and a 55-inch TV.

Sugarfire Cape works with St. Genevieve-based Oberle Meats, Lang said.

Every Wednesday, Oberle Meats delivers the restaurant's Jalepeno Cheddar Sausage, Lang said. It also utilizes local farmer's markets, according to sous chef Jaime Ochoa.

"We've been down there twice already," Ochoa added.

Sugarfire Cape is open daily, 11 a.m. to sellout, or 9 p.m.

jhartwig@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3632