Business Spotlight: Food by Fire WV

Some businesses are built on recipes. Others are built on resilience.

Founded in 2013, Food by Fire began with a passion for barbecue that took on a deeper meaning after owner Shawn lost his brother. What started as a love for cooking with a smoker became a way to bring people together through great food, family, and community.

The journey has been anything but ordinary. From catering events, to launching a food truck, to building a loyal following during a brewery residency, Food by Fire has grown into a thriving brick-and-mortar restaurant in Hedgesville, West Virginia. Along the way, Shawn and Sara have stayed true to the values that have guided them from the beginning.

As Shawn puts it, "It's about the food, but it's never been just about the food." And at the heart of everything they do is a simple philosophy: "Family is first in everything we do."

That commitment to community has fueled more than just great barbecue. In 2024, Food by Fire earned the Grand Prize in the Build-Up Berkeley Business Pitch Competition, hosted by the Berkeley County Development Authority. The recognition helped accelerate the restaurant's growth and is a testament to the impact of investing in local entrepreneurs.

Today, Food by Fire is known not only for its smoked barbecue and creative, locally inspired menu, but for creating a place where friends, families, and neighbors gather around exceptional food and genuine hospitality.

This is more than a restaurant. It's a story of perseverance, purpose, and community—served one plate at a time.