By Abigayl Martin

REXBURG — Aaron has always wanted to open a restaurant. In October 2022, those dreams came to fruition through Parks Place Smokehouse. Parks Place serves barbecue, and the menu is made entirely from scratch.  

Aaron says there isn’t just one signature item and that people are drawn to a lot of items on the menu. One item on the menu that is particularly popular is the Slamwich, a sandwich with the choice of brisket, chili, pulled pork, chicken or a smoked brat for meat, onions, coleslaw, and smokehouse sauce. The sandwich, like most menu items, comes with a side of cornbread.  

He says he thinks the reason for the Slamwich’s popularity is because of its uniqueness. 

“A lot of people keep coming back for that,” Aaron says.  

When he first wanted to open a restaurant in Rexburg, Aaron says it was a big step and he was a little intimidated. However, Wayne Vitali, one of the owners of Kingdom of Pho, helped push him and motivate him to get started.  

Every night, he prepares each of his meats (ribs, brisket, chicken, etc.) for the next day, making sure each item is up to his standard before sending it out to potential customers  

Aaron says he loves serving members of the community by providing them good food.  

“I love food,” Aaron says. “I love flavor, I love texture and everything that creates that.”  

You can check out Parks Place Smokehouse’s menu on their Instagram and on Doordash.