Valley Smoke restaurant opens for business in Ponte Vedra

Posted

Valley Smoke, a barbecue restaurant owned by Southern Table Hospitality Group's Ben and Liza Groshell, opened last month in Ponte Vedra Beach after five years of planning.

The Groshells, who also own and operate Fish Camps, Marker 32 and Safe Harbor Seafood Restaurant, opened the new Ponte Vedra restaurant at 11 South Roscoe Blvd.

According to Valley Smoke general manager Fawn Turner, the restaurant offers rib eyes, filets, New York strips and pork chops in addition to its barbecue menu.

"We have seafood offerings as well: We have salmon and we have a roasted golf snapper that comes with a delicious salad," she said. "We also have vegan and vegetarian offerings."

A unique aspect of Valley Smoke, Turner said, is that the restaurant does everything in house from scratch.

"All of our barbecue sauces and dressings are made in house from scratch," she said. "We do everything with love by hand. So, lots of love goes into every dish."

Turner said ownership chose to open the restaurant in Ponte Vedra because of the beautiful view of the Intracoastal Waterway.

"And, we just like to be snuggled in this community," she added.

Turner noted that the Ponte Vedra community has been "extremely opening and welcoming” during the restaurant’s soft opening phrase, which will last until December. She also said they haven't heard anything but "delightful things" about their cuisine and service.

Valley Smoke will be closed for lunch until the soft opening phase concludes. For now, the restaurant is open for business every day from 4 to 10 p.m. Guests can expect a comfortable yet classy atmosphere, Turner said.

"You don't have to walk in there and feel like it's stuffy," she explained. "You can come in flip flops and shorts, you can come for a date night in a nice dress, however you're feeling. What we want is that you make sure you know this is a home away from home and when you walk in here you feel comfortable and welcome." 

Valley Smoke is taking reservations at (904) 285-3235. Interested patrons should call ahead to check for available seating.