The “Aaron” Behind Aaron’s Rock’n’Roll Beer-BQ
Ever wondered about the "Aaron" in Aaron's Rock'n'Roll Beer-BQ Drive Thru ?
Have a seat, pour yourself a pint of your favorite Boundary Brew, and let us take you back to 1990’s, when Brewer Aaron’s journey in Bellingham all began…
Aaron Jacob Smith first moved to Bellingham in 1994 and obtained his first job in town - selling pizza slices at the original Cicchitti’s Pizza on State Street (now Old World Deli).
Cicchitti’s was located between two bars - the “World Famous” Up & Up and the 3B Tavern. Both bars featured live music - a treat to Smith’s ears at the young age of 19 - and were widely known among anyone in a touring rock band.
A standard shift at Cicchittis saw Smith working the window (situated between the pizza joint and the 3B) selling slices to the patrons of the tavern (those of you who knew the 3B, knew this was the place to be!). A Coke cup of beer for a slice of pizza was the standard trade in those days, and Smith was lucky enough to get into shows for free as the “cherry on top”.
After spending time watching performances between shifts, Smith started to develop enough confidence to start a band, and, eventually, play live shows. Many a’ nights were spent on the stage of the 3B, which turned into a platform for the band to go on tour. In addition to the many life lessons learned on the road, these tours were also the reason for how Smith realized the fame of the 3B Tavern.
“It really put Bellingham on the map in music circles,” Smith said about the tavern.
Some time later, the Cicchitti’s location on State street closed and opened elsewhere. Unfortunately, the new location was not a giant success, and paychecks started to bounce. Smith was forced to look elsewhere for employment, so he chose two spots that seemed of interest to him: Cellophane Square (now Everyday Music), and a little brewery on Railroad Avenue, called Boundary Bay.
A short time later, Smith received a phone call inviting him for an interview at Cellophane Music. At 23, the idea of working for the music store was more than enough cause for celebration. Smith headed down to the Taproom for a pint of Boundary Bay’s finest, and his personal favorite at the time: Scotch Ale.
On arrival, a friend of Smith’s that was currently cooking for the brewery popped his head out of the kitchen, notified him that the dishwasher hadn’t show up for the shift, and to put an apron on if he wanted a job.
“I was only halfway through [my beer] and asked if I could at least finish it, but couldn’t if I wanted to work. Tough decision.”
The final verdict?
“I did [put an apron on],” Smith recalled. “That was 1998.”
22 years later, Smith has cooked, played music, and brewed beer at Boundary Bay, and there’s no stopping him yet.
Aaron’s Rock’N’Roll Beer-BQ: A creation sparked from the challenging times of COVID-19
In a time when four brewers suddenly seemed like too many, it was Aaron Jacob Smith who first raised his hand to take the hit while Boundary Bay reassessed what was and wasn’t feasible during this new way of life. COVID-19 hit Bellingham hard, and almost everything was suddenly put on hault until owners Ed Bennett and Janet Lightner could determine what the next best step was.
Fast forward to today, where Boundary Bay has since experimented with three separate Drive-Thrus (the St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef Drive-Thru, the Fryday Fish Fry Drive-Thru and the Thursday Happy Hour BBQ Drive-Thru). Enter Aaron Jacob Smith and his years of experience cooking up some seriously awesome creations (both in cuisine and music).
To Ed, Janet and Boundary Bay’s delight - Smith was ready to step back into the brewery, but this time, to do something other than brew beer.
After acquiring a standing smoker and pounds and pounds of brisket, the first “Aaron’s Rock’N’Roll Beer-BQ took place in May of 2020.
After a few menu tweaks here and there, Smith has since whipped up some mouth-watering recipes for his weekly Saturday Drive Thru, so get you're appetites ready!
MENU
Soulful Medley: $18(plus tax)
A generous sampling of our Brisket and Baby Back Ribs, and a delicious side of Pork Bellied Beans, Coleslaw, Macaroni Salad and fluffy roll.
The Kinks Quartet -$68(plus tax)
A family-size of the Soulful Medley. A generous sampling of our Brisket, Pulled Pork and Baby Back Ribs, and a delicious side of Pork Bellied Beans, Coleslaw, Macaroni Salad and fluffy rolls.
Brisket -$25/lb(plus tax)
For the Brisket Lover! Brewer Aaron is cranking out Brisket by the lb. this week!
Baby Back Ribs -$15/lb(plus tax)
For the Ribs Lover! Brewer Aaron is cranking out Baby Back Ribs by the lb. this week!
Side Riffs (plus tax)
Pork Bellied Beans $4
Macaroni salad $3
Cornbread $2.50
Coleslaw $2.50
- Beer to-go options will be available as well! -
Preorder your meal for Aaron’s Rock’N’Roll Beer BQ this week today!