5 minutes with Fasicka Hicks: Owner and Chef of Michelin Recommended Smoke’N Ash BBQ in Arlington, Texas

by Martin Ramirez on August 14, 2025 in Food+Drink,
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Known for its tradition of bold flavors and smoke, Texas BBQ has never shied away from pushing the limits, often combining diverse flavors from around the world, such as Mexican, Korean, and German, into the wondrous cuisine we have today. Now, you can add Ethiopian to that list as Smoke’N Ash in Arlington, Texas, offers a perfect marriage of Ethiopian and traditional Texas BBQ. 

Introducing the “World’s Only Tex-Ethiopian BBQ Experience,” Smoke’N Ash BBQ has gained much recognition and respect along the way, including a feature on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, and an inclusion in the MICHELIN Guide to Texas 2024. Recently, TLM had the pleasure of visiting with Fasicka Hicks, owner, chef, and one-half of the husband-and-wife team leading this fusion at Smoke’N Ash BBQ to talk origins, inspiration, and what it’s been like joining the Texas BBQ community.  

Smoke’N Ash BBQ storefront. Photo courtesy Smoke’N Ash BBQ.

Can you tell us about yourselves and how this restaurant came about?

I grew up cooking with my mom in Ethiopia, and Patrick, a native of Waco, Texas, was around BBQ from a young age. Smoke’N Ash BBQ is a cross-cultural mashup that represents Texas and Ethiopian cooking techniques and flavors.

Fasicka and Patrick Hicks at the MICHELIN Guide ceremony. Photo courtesy Smoke’N Ash BBQ.

Smoke ‘N Ash offers a unique selection of dishes and spices. How authentic are these flavors?

Our spices are prepared in Ethiopia using my mother’s recipes. We also use Post Oak and Hickory wood to keep that traditional Texas BBQ distinct flavor.

Smoke’N Ash Platter. Photo Martin Ramirez.

Are there any similarities between the two regions and cultures of Ethiopia and Texas? Is there a reason why these flavors pair so well together?

Just like BBQ, Ethiopian food is well known for its shareable and communal servings. Both dishes are always large in portions, served with some type of bread, and always bring family and friends together around the table in a celebratory way. Something magical always happens when Berbere spice meets smoke from Hickory wood.

An exclusive blend of spices is flown in from Ethiopia to use for this BBQ experience. Photo Martin Ramirez.

How has the Texas BBQ community responded? What are the local favorites on the menu?

The Texas BBQ community responded with curiosity. They most definitely wanted to know how traditional Texas BBQ ended up blending well with spices from Ethiopia. The Texans who decided to find out what the buzz was about either came back for more or asked questions about our dry rubs and whether we have any plan for making them available for sale.

Fasicka and Patrick, husband-and-wife duo, are the owners and chefs behind Smoke’N Ash BBQ. Photo courtesy Smoke’N Ash BBQ.

How did it feel to be featured in the Michelin Guide to Texas?

It feels amazing!

Drop by Smoke’N Ash BBQ or order your pick-up here. Be sure to follow to stay up to date with the latest from the World’s Only Tex-Ethiopian BBQ Experience.

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Cover photo Martin Ramirez

Martin Ramirez is a brisket-eating, Shiner-loving, road-tripping enthusiast of all things Texas. This Dallas-born writer / adventurer is ready to take his ‘78 El Camino to find the best in food, fun, and fitness throughout the Lone Star State