06/04/2026
Five years ago today, Berg’s Smoked Meat & Poutine began in a ghost kitchen / food truck in Asbury Park.
It was the middle of the pandemic. I had just been laid off from my job and thought I was done with the food industry forever - BUT - I had always dreamed of opening a smoked meat & poutine restaurant inspired by my travels to Montreal & it felt like a now or never moment.
During those uncertain months, my now-wife and I spent countless hours working on branding, recipes, and business ideas. I bought a small electric smoker off Facebook Marketplace that couldn’t even fit a whole brisket. I started brining & smoking meat, giving it away to family and friends for feedback. Money was tight, but my wife believed in me. With her encouragement, and some guts - I signed a six-month lease for a ghost kitchen & decided to take a chance.
On opening day, I had no idea if anyone would order. Boy, was I wrong in the best way.
At 11:00 AM, the ticket machine started printing—and it didn’t stop 💥
During those food truck days, every spare minute was spent driving around Monmouth County searching for a brick-and-mortar location. I had no investors, very little money, but I knew I could make it work. Then one day, I drove past the Steak Stand, right on Main St, in Belmar and saw a “For Rent” sign in the window. I made the call, and as they say - the rest is history…
Making it two years in this industry is an accomplishment. Making it five feels like climbing a mountain.
A huge thank you to my wife for believing in me when nobody else did, to MOGO for their invaluable advice & support, and especially to our INCREDIBLE staff - who have been with us since the very beginning - 💛
And, of course, the biggest thank you goes to our customers. The locals, the summer crowds, the visitors who became friends, the loyal supporters who have been with us from day one, and those just discovering us now - we couldn’t have done it without you.
Here’s to five amazing years & many more ahead, filled with smoky, juicy, made-with-love Smoked Meat & Poutine • CHEERS & THANK YOU for being part of our story • 💯😄🫶🏻🔥✨
