04/12/2026
Most of you may have heard about the tragedy that impacted Mario’s family recently. For those who may not know, his son-in-law and two grandchildren tragically lost their lives in a car accident. Randy, his son-in-law, was not only an employee here at Up In Smoke BBQ—he was like a son to Mario. His grandchildren were just 4 and 12 years old, taken far too soon.
Mario’s daughter—the wife and mother to Randy, Connor, and Eden—is facing the unimaginable. In the midst of this heartbreak, Mario has stepped in to help care for his daughter and his two granddaughters who are still here with us. He is doing everything he can to be present for his family, while also trying to keep the business going.
He is one man carrying a heavy load, all while dealing with his own health challenges. His grief is deep, even if it’s not always visible.
As a family-owned business, this loss has affected all of us. We are more than just a business—we are human.
Kindness costs nothing. You never truly know what someone is going through behind the scenes.
We want to thank everyone who continues to support us, recommend us, and show patience and understanding. When you choose to support our business, you are also supporting a genuinely kind and selfless man who has always given so much to his family and his community without ever expecting anything in return.
We are not asking for handouts—Mario would never accept them. We simply want to express our gratitude to those who stand by us during this difficult time. Your support means more than words can say. God always provides.
Take care, and God bless you all. We will be open until 8 PM today.
