Located in Sterling, Colorado. The Hot Spot Smokehouse at Sky Ranch.

We’re Andy and Tony Meick. We took over the original Hot Spot about six years ago from our parents, Jim and Pam Meick, who’d owned and operated the bar and grill for 24 years.

In the time since taking over ownership and adding the “smokehouse” spin, we have learned a lot about the restaurant industry. And we applied that knowledge to our new location. Customers come in and order their meals in what was once the bakery, where they can check out a number of baked goodies made by Andy’s mother-in-law, before finding a seat in the dining room. The drive-up window provides service for customers on the go, or you can walk in and order carry-out. The full-service bar is open extended hours with custom drinks that feature flavors to complement the food.

The barbecue joint is unique to northeast Colorado because there’s not much competition when it comes to quality and quantity — and our menu features an original spin, with “fusion” dishes that pair barbecue with Mexican influences or seafood.