About Us
Smoke is a locally owned BBQ destination built on passion, resilience and genuine hospitality — creating spaces where great people, food and community come together.
Our Story
Our journey began in 2019 at Lake Hood in Ashburton, with a single 1.5 tonne smoker and a big vision. Just as we seasoned our first piece of meat, the country went into lockdown. But we didn’t stop. As soon as restrictions lifted, we launched Smoke as a takeaway offering and quickly became a local favourite.
What started as an idea grew into something much bigger. In 2021, we opened our first standalone Smoke restaurant in Rolleston, bringing authentic low-and-slow BBQ to our local community. In 2023, we opened Smoke Ashburton — a purpose-built, warehouse-style space designed for connection, great food and shared experiences.
In 2025, we’ve continued to grow the Smoke brand. From launching our mobile smoker for off-site catering and events, to creating Smoulder — our private dining and function space in Ashburton, we’ve built a business that goes beyond a traditional restaurant.
At our core, we’re about more than just BBQ. We’re about supporting local, creating spaces people feel welcome in, creating a work environment that thrives on team work, personal growth and passion and delivering an experience people come back for.
Whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeaway or celebrating something special — Smoke is built for our community, by locals, for locals.
Meet some of our Team
Vanetia Bingham
Boss Lady
Vanetia owned her first restaurant 32 years ago and has owned a hospitality or tourism business ever since. Her goal is have to have beautifully systemised and profitable businesses, excellent staff culture, delicious food and beverages and excellent unique venues for the community to enjoy. Needless to say she thrives on challenges and success
Simon Andrews
Simon is our Pit Boss. He is actually a carpenter/builder but upon meeting Vanetia some years ago he gave all that up for the love of BBQ.
He's an early riser and 4.30am is his usual time up. He is a perfectionist and the meats dont come out until they have been given the Simon nod. Originally from Dorset this loveable rogue is the reason the BBQ is sooooo good!
Jarod Bingham
Jarod is a co-owner in Smoke (also Vanetias son) and balances his university studies - a degree in Digital Screen—with working part-time in the business. You’ll often find him on the floor at Rolleston, ensuring our customers have a great experience. Jarod has a natural desire to be involved in the film industry either in front or behind the camera. Having lived in the Selwyn area for 18 years he is determined our food - particularly the burgers - are the best for our community.
Craig Bingham
Craig is also a co-owner of Smoke (and Vanetia's son - also Jarod's twin). He is pursuing a business degree at UC and will own his own business in the future. He grew up in Lincoln and Rolleston and went to Lincoln High. He has a love for all things theatre and has recently landed some Showbiz roles.
You will find Craig mostly in the bar in Rolleston shaking up a storm in cocktails. and keeping the beer pouring.
Dash Singh
RESTAURANT MANAGER - Rolleston
Started at Smoke Rolleston as a Duty Manager a month after we opened in 2021. He moved to Ashburton to be Restaurant Manager 2023 and then recently moved back to Rolleston to run things there again. Dash is a master of customer service and has many a customer coming back to see him. His great memory see our regulars getting delivered a drink as they walk in the door. Dash is a hospitality professional and has high standards and loves looking after our Rolleston crowd
Minsik Kim
HEAD CHEF - Rolleston
Started with us in January 2026 and moved up to Head Chef very quickly. Min owned his own yakatori restaurant in Korea for 5 years but decided to move to nz nearly 10 years ago. He did his qualifications and started in Rata in Queenstown. He has worked in some prestigious restaurants since being in NZ and we welcome is great bbq knowledge and cooking skills. He lives in Rolleston with his wife and cute baby daughter.
Andrew Poswillo
RESTAURANT MANAGER - Ashburton
started with us in September 2025 working in the pits with Simon. Due to his great sales and people background he moved to Restaurant Manager early 2026. Andrew has a wealth of knowledge on bbq having his own low and slow food truck until 2024. He is an awesome dad of 3 kids, loves people connection, great food and great beer.
Ange Buswell
HEAD CHEF - Ashburton
started at Smoke Ashburton as a Sous Chef in early 2026 and moved to Head Chef soon after. Ange was born in Auckland but has spent most of her life in Dunedin where she worked in many hospitality sites both out the front and in the kitchen. Her love for food finds her leading our Smoke kitchen team in Ashburton with a great eye for detail and delicious new ideas.