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.
Elías Valverde II/Staff Photographer
Patrick Hicks, co-owner of Smoke’N Ash, 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.
Smoke’N Ash, an Arlington restaurant recommended by the Michelin Guide 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.
Hicks died two days before the Michelin Guide was scheduled to announce its 2026 star and award recipients in Texas.
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“We 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,” Fasicka Hicks told The News on Wednesday, Oct. 7. “Whether 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.”
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.
Elías Valverde II/Staff Photographer
Patrick Hicks was not only the restaurant’s 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.
“I don’t think there are words to describe who he is,” Fasicka said. “He’s an easygoing, great partner, great father. Great brother, great son. Definitely great husband.”
“He was just everything,” she added. “He was the light of the house.”
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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.
“He came time and time again to make sure I had his phone number,” Fasicka recalled.
The couple married in 2003 and had two daughters, who are now 21 and 19.
Cooking was part of family life long before Smoke’N Ash became a restaurant. Patrick was in charge of the smoker at family gatherings.
“He definitely created an amazing cuisine, incorporating my tradition with his,” she said. “And I definitely think it was a great combination, like our marriage as well.”
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The concept began with a barbecue trailer before the couple opened the restaurant in 2018. At first, they weren’t sure customers would accept the combination.
“We were not even too sure if it was going work out or not,” Fasicka recalled.
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.
Elías Valverde II/Staff Photographer
They started cooking brisket and later, customers began asking for both barbecue and Ethiopian dishes on the same plate.
While they operated the business, Patrick kept his job as an engineering assistant at a company in Grand Prairie and spent weekends working in his barbecue.
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“He smoked meat all Friday and Saturday night, and Sunday was our selling day,” Fasicka recalled. “He worked really, really, really, really hard on it. He sweated it out, and it’s our responsibility to carry his legacy.”
For the family, Patrick’s legacy extends beyond the restaurant.
“He was an amazing man,” Fasicka said. “This is a tremendous loss for me and my daughters, definitely, all of his siblings and my family as well.”
A private funeral service for family and close friends is planned for next week. The date has not yet been confirmed.
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The restaurant will remain open. Its team will keep it running while the family grieves the loss of its patriarch.
Smoke’N Ash is at 5904 S. Cooper St., Suite 110, in Arlington. smokenashbbq.net.
