The BBQ Den Smokehouse staff - James Macdonald, Troy Van Den Akker, Jen Hopkinson, Pamela McLean, Jolanda Kruit, Cody Spencer, Brandon Spencer - standing with beloved mascot, Mr Briskalot.
Photo by
Sharlene Baldo
When Troy Van Den Akker first became infatuated with cooking at the young age of four, he didn’t think he was ever going to stray from it.
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He always dreamed of opening up his own restaurant, but it seemed like life had other plans for him.
“When I was a kid, I always, always loved cooking,” Mr Van Den Akker said.
“I was always in the kitchen all the time and I wanted to be a chef from, like, the age of four right up until 16.”
“And then I decided to do a career change into accounting.”
During his high school years, Mr Van Den Akker discovered a talent for mathematics, which unexpectedly steered him towards a different career path, a journey many can relate to.
With the help of a career evaluation, and after debating whether to become a financial planner, Mr Van Den Akker settled on studying accounting at the age of 17 to become a private accountant.
“I pursued that for heaps and heaps of years, and then I lost one of my jobs back in 2018 and I was thinking, ‘what can I do next?’”
A busy night for The BBQ Smokehouse proved to be a successful first taste.
Photo by
Sharlene Baldo
Mr Van Den Akker's unwavering passion for cooking had never truly faded; instead, it had been simmering on a low heat, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to come to a full boil.
And when it did, Mr Van Den Akker chose to pursue it once more.
“I’d been dabbling in the smoking of meat, and then I cooked up this big feast and it turned out so bloody nice, I was so impressed with it, and I’m thinking, well, this might be a thing,” he said.
“I spoke with my partner at the time, and we decided to start a food truck, food van sort of thing... and we started that back up in 2020.”
“But we ran that, we’re still running it now... I’ve been running it by myself that last five years.”
In addition to the diner, Mr Van Den Akker intends to keep his beloved food truck on the road, bringing his smoked barbecue to local events and gatherings.
Musical duo ‘Dallas Alice’ performed on the opening night to entertain guests with country songs played on a fiddle, a guitar and a flute.
Photo by
Sharlene Baldo
Eager to reignite his long-held dream, Mr Van Den Akker decided to set up base in Benalla and share his passion for barbecue with the community.
“I know, growing up and seeing the different places around, there’s just nothing around here that has that sort of sit down and enjoy a meal, have a good drink,” he said.
“I’m heavily (focused) on customer service; good food, good drinks and fun times... just good interactions with your customers.
“I also feel that they should feel spoiled because when a person comes out, they want to feel spoiled, like they’re paying good dollar for their meal.”
And that was how The BBQ Den Smokehouse was born.
But surprisingly, the idea for an American-styled diner had nothing to do with the country itself.
“I’ve never been to America, don’t plan on going to America at the moment,” Mr Van Den Akker said.
Smiles were shared with good company as guests enjoyed the preview night on Saturday.
Photo by
Sharlene Baldo
“For me, I think what fascinated me... was just big slabs of meat cooked slow over a long period of time and what it produced.
“And I wanted to try it, so I bought this real, smallest bloody smoker that I’ve ever had, and that’s how I learned... is on this little smoker.
“When I cooked (that feast) after I lost my job, that was my turning point. It was either it was gonna work, it was either ‘I’m going to do this’ or ‘I’m never doing this again’.”
Everything on the menu is made from scratch — from “making the sauces, making the brisket rubs to making the coleslaw”, Mr Van Den Akker has a recipe for it all.
In preparation for the big opening day on Wednesday, April 2, The BBQ Den Smokehouse recently hosted a special preview night on Saturday, March 29 on Bridge St.
From 6pm onwards, guests were given the full dining experience with a hefty three-course meal, good local alcohol and entertaining music to accompany.
“I’m hoping this is going to be very successful, I feel like it’s going to be,” Mr Van Den Akker said.
“I’m actually hoping to basically, eventually, end up opening a couple of more places... but this is going to be my flagship place.
“This will always be my first — this is always going to be my baby because I’ve spent a lot of time in here lately.
“But I love it, it’s been a passion of mine and seeing it just... it makes me feel very emotional.”
Come down on Wednesday for pulled pork and brisket at The BBQ Den Smokehouse.
Photo by
Sharlene Baldo
Now that Mr Van Den Akker and the staff are prepared, the team are excited to officially open The BBQ Den Smokehouse on Wednesday, April 2.
The diner will be open for lunch and dinner to give Benalla a taste of classic American-style barbecue and top-notch customer service.
“Just come in and enjoy the ambience of the restaurant,” Mr Van Den Akker said.
“I think everyone should just come in and have a try, like, there’s always something on the menu they could eat.”
Don't miss the chance to be part of Benalla's freshest culinary adventure with Mr Van Den Akker and team, as they bring a new world of flavours to the table.
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