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Co-owner Fasicka Hicks toasts Ethiopian coffee with her husband and co-owner Patrick Hicks at Smoke’N Ash BBQ, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Arlington. Smoke’N Ash BBQ received the distinction of “Recommended” from Michelin.<\/p>\n
El\u00edas Valverde II\/Staff Photographer<\/p>\n
Patrick Hicks, co-owner of Smoke\u2019N Ash<\/a>, died Tuesday, Oct. 6, at age 60. His passing was confirmed to The News by his wife, Fasicka Hicks. The cause of his death has not been revealed. \u00a0<\/p>\n Smoke\u2019N Ash, an Arlington<\/a> restaurant recommended by the Michelin Guide<\/a> in 2024 and 2025, combines Texas barbecue with Ethiopian dishes. It gained national recognition in 2022 after The New York Times included it on its list of the 50 best restaurants in the country.\u00a0<\/p>\n Hicks died two days before the Michelin Guide was scheduled<\/a> to announce its 2026 star and award recipients in Texas.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u201cWe both didn’t know what Michelin was when we were first mentioned on it, and when we were mentioned for a second year we were grateful,\u201d Fasicka Hicks told The News on Wednesday, Oct. 7. \u201cWhether we’re mentioned tomorrow or not, I know Patrick has accomplished much more than any average man could, and I’m so proud of him, and his legacy is going to continue.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n A barbecue plate of brisket, sausage and chicken seen at Smoke’N Ash BBQ, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Arlington. Smoke’N Ash BBQ received the distinction of “Recommended” from Michelin.<\/p>\n El\u00edas Valverde II\/Staff Photographer<\/p>\n Patrick Hicks was not only the restaurant\u2019s co-owner with his wife, but also its pitmaster. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Fasicka Hicks, their two daughters, Lydia and Abby, and the team that worked with them at the restaurant.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think there are words to describe who he is,\u201d Fasicka said. \u201cHe\u2019s an easygoing, great partner, great father. Great brother, great son. Definitely great husband.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cHe was just everything,\u201d she added. \u201cHe was the light of the house.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Patrick was born in Waco on June 27, 1966. Fasicka was born in Ethiopia and came to Texas in 1998. That same year, she met Patrick while working as a cashier at a convenience store, her first job. Patrick was a customer and began visiting her often.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cHe came time and time again to make sure I had his phone number,\u201d Fasicka recalled.\u00a0<\/p>\n The couple married in 2003 and had two daughters, who are now 21 and 19.\u00a0<\/p>\n Cooking was part of family life long before Smoke\u2019N Ash became a restaurant. Patrick was in charge of the smoker at family gatherings.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cHe definitely created an amazing cuisine, incorporating my tradition with his,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd I definitely think it was a great combination, like our marriage as well.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The concept began with a barbecue trailer before the couple opened the restaurant in 2018. At first, they weren\u2019t sure customers would accept the combination.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe were not even too sure if it was going work out or not,\u201d Fasicka recalled.\u00a0<\/p>\n Co-owner Fasicka Hicks visits with customers as they dine at Smoke’N Ash BBQ, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Arlington. Smoke’N Ash BBQ received the distinction of “Recommended” from Michelin.<\/p>\n El\u00edas Valverde II\/Staff Photographer<\/p>\n They started cooking brisket and later, customers began asking for both barbecue and Ethiopian dishes on the same plate.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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