Can’t Stop Smokin’
Article and Photography By Joseph Burgess

Sweeping up pine needles at your Ruidoso summer home, fishing to the limit at Bonita Lake or researching the quarter horses at Ruidoso Downs stirs up a Texas-sized appetite. When the palate demands barbecue, you no longer have to drive all the way back to Dallas for a great meal. Simply head to the big log cabin with a bright red roof on Mechem Drive in Ruidoso. The deli-style takeout shop, Can’t Stop Smokin’, is absolutely the place in this region to pick up beef ribs, pork spare ribs, baby back ribs and brisket. “We’ll sell them to you hot, so you can take them straight home to the dinner table,” states co-owner Pete Schiavone. “We can also package them cold for your refrigerator or freezer. We do the same with our boneless country-style ribs.”

There is no doubt that the key to the popularity of Can’t Stop Smokin’ is Pete’s understanding of quality meat products and his use of display cases. His background as a retail grocer provided a practical springboard for the carryout business. He and his wife Casandra owned Frank’s Food Market in Ruidoso Downs for 15 years and previously owned stores in Hobbs and Amarillo.

Since they were making a fresh start, the Schiavones wanted a building that would be special, a building with a new look.“A model from Pioneer Homes in British Columbia was the one. The huge log beams and carved ends really attract attention. The building seemed to be the final touch that brought the whole business concept together.”

The catchy business name, Can’t Stop Smokin’ came from an industry article. Researching meat smokers and barbecue, an article mentioned that once a person gets into smoking meat, he just “can’t stop smokin’”. It was a great choice for the new venture.

The food market deli concept, where the customer can see and choose the particular cut desired, had been a long-time goal. Only mesquite wood is used for smoking and the meat is hand-rubbed for cooking. Barbecue sauce is added only after the meat is placed onto serving or display trays.

A person can walk in and build a sandwich from anything on display or call ahead for ten racks of ribs. Can’t Stop Smokin’ now serves plate combos with a half pound of meat, roll and drink for $8.99. Pete has also stayed aggressive with his chicken prices, which remain a frequent request. For the sides, garlic red potatoes are the local hit. There is a choice of baked or pinto beans and of course the usual salads.A large selection of sodas and bottled drinks are kept on ice, including birch beer, sarsaparilla and root beer. A small selection of delicious baked pies is available, and the freshly baked cookies are outstanding. Food for large groups can be delivered, but onsite serving is not provided. The “Mountain Feast” listed on the menu, will feed 12-15 people and can include a variety of meat products. A choice of sides accompanies the order.

The jerky at Can’t Stop Smokin’ deserves serious consideration. The taste and texture is incredibly different from the pre-packaged varieties. The jerky is made from USDA inspected eye-round product and choices include pepper, hot chile, garlic, plain and also one variety made from turkey breast.The jerky can soon be found online at www.cantstopsmokin.com.

CONTACT INFO
Can’t Stop Smokin’
418 Mechem
Ruidoso, NM 88345
Phone: (505) 630-0000 • Cell: (505) 430-6706
Email: cassandranm@aol.com