Family, Food and Community: Harris Family Brings Weekly Barbecue to Culbertson

Lost Oven Smoking

Pictured, from left, Alan Durst, Genea Harris and Chris Harris show o_ their smoked pizza.

By lunchtime every Wednesday, the aroma of slow-smoked barbecue drifts through downtown Culbertson, drawing hungry customers eager to see what’s on the menu.

For Genea Harris and her family, serving barbecue has become much more than food. It’s about gathering neighbors, sharing a meal and giving the community another place to connect.

“We like to cook for people,” Harris said. “It’s a love language.”

Every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. until they’re sold out, Harris and her family serve a rotating menu of smoked meats, homemade sides and desserts. Some weeks they’re finished by early afternoon, and lately, they’ve been selling out even sooner. “We’re open until about 2 or 2:30, or until we’re sold out,” Harris said. “Last week we were sold out before 1 p.m.”

The menu changes each week, keeping customers coming back to see what’s new. While pulled pork and baked beans are among the regular favorites, Harris enjoys mixing in new recipes and trying di_erent smoked specialties.

The business began in an unexpected way.

“A friend gave me a broken smoker,” Harris said. “My son-in-law fixed it, and we started smoking food. We thought, ‘This is really good. We should share it with the community.’ ” They decided to give it a try during Treasure Trail Days. The response surprised them. “We sold out of chicken and had to run to get more,” Harris said with a laugh.

Not knowing whether there would even be a second event, the family kept their expectations modest. Instead, customers returned week after week, encouraging them to continue.

“People come by and thank us for being here,” Harris said. “They’re grateful to have another option.”

Harris, her husband, Chris, daughter Amber Durst and son-in-law Dustin Durst all pitch in to make each Wednesday happen. Chris handles the baking and works behind the scenes in the kitchen, while Dustin tends to the smoker and helps serve customers. Amber joins the crew whenever her schedule allows, and Harris keeps everything running smoothly.

“I kind of do it all.” Harris said with a smile.

The Harris family moved to Culbertson in 2021 from central Montana to be closer to relatives who had relocated to the area. Opening a barbecue business wasn’t part of the original plan, but the support they’ve received has made them feel right at home.

“We’re really grateful for the community coming out and supporting us.” Harris said.

That encouragement has inspired the family to think about what’s next. Their longterm goals is to purchase a food trailer, allowing them to continue serving customers

(Photo by Elizabeth Hendrickson)

throughout the year. Until then, they’re exploring ways to keep the smoker going during the colder months and are working on new signage to make finding them even easier.

The barbecue is already reaching beyond Culbertson. On Aug. 12, the family will serve food during the Buckcherry concert in Sidney after Dustin connected with event organizers.

The family plans to prepare enough food to feed about 250 people during the event.

Even as the business grows, Harris says the reason they started hasn’t changed.

“It’s really about feeding people,” she said. “We enjoy seeing everyone each week.”

As word continues to spread, Wednesday has quickly become a day many locals look forward to. Some come for the smoked meats, others for the homemade desserts, but many return because they know they’ll be greeted with a friendly face and a warm meal.

In a town where neighbors still know one another by name, Harris hopes every customer leaves feeling like part of the family.