101 Smokehouse Totally Destroyed by Fire

Aerial picture courtesy of Aaron Shirk

101 Smokehouse in downtown Kenton was destroyed by fire during the overnight hours.

Captain Jason Conley from the Kenton Fire Department said the fire was called in by a passerby, “They noticed smoke coming from the roof, called 9-1-1. We were dispatched for a first alarm structure fire. Arrived on scene, we had heavy smoke and flame coming out of the roof towards the rear of 101 Smokehouse.”

Aerial picture courtesy of Aaron Shirk

As to the time the call was received, “Came in at 3:44am. I think we had approximately 10 departments here helping us mutual aid wise.”

WKTN picture showing rear of 101 Smokehouse after fire

Captain Conley said the fortunate thing is this fire resulted in property damage only, “No injuries, no fatalities. We were able to get everybody out of the Fillin’ Station and also McGrath’s next door. No fire or smoke damage to any of the adjacent structures either, so we’re really happy about that.”

WKTN picture showing front of 101 Smokehouse after fire

No cause has been determined at this time, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office has been called in to investigate.

101 Smokehouse was open for just over a year at 120 South Main Street in Kenton.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on April 12, 2023.

Owner Andy Ayers said it was a dream of the family to start a business after they purchased a concession trailer 10 years ago.

Believing in the community, he said at the time that they didn’t want it anywhere else.