The Smoke Doctor is leaving Howell, according to a social media announcement Feb. 3.
“We are very sad to announce that we will be closing our Howell doors,” the business wrote. “The economy is bad, meat prices are skyrocketing and overall costs have increased. With this long, cold, snowy winter, sales are down and costs are up.”
The barbecue restaurant opened the surprise second location at 1202 E. Grand River Ave. in May 2025. The brand’s original brick-and-mortar eatery is located in Hamburg Township.
The opening came less than a year after Bing Li — who owns the neighboring New China King — purchased the building, previously Firewood Grill. Cornell Clark said he chose to expand in Howell because of the community support he’s received, adding the area represents his second-largest following of customers.
The Smoke Doctor, also a popular food truck, is known for ribs, pulled chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage, chicken tenders, smoked wings, deep-fried fish and all-day breakfast. Clark originally planned to open a second location in Hell, but a lengthy dispute between himself and the prospective building’s owner fizzled the partnership.
A call to management confirmed the business plans to close in Howell after sales Feb. 4.
“Thank you for all your support and love,” the post read. “We appreciate every one of you.”
— Contact reporter Makayla Coffee at mcoffee@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: The Smoke Doctor announces abrupt closure of location in Howell
Reporting by Makayla Coffee, Livingston Daily / Livingston Daily
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