OUR STORY
The story of Stateline Road Smokehouse starts with an eight-year-old kid in Kansas City, Missouri—stirring big pots of lentils for his family of six. That early spark grew into summers spent barbecuing in the backyard and watching PBS cooking shows, and ultimately into a culinary path that took Darryl Bell from school to France to nearly fifteen years in Napa’s Michelin-starred kitchens. Even our logo honors those beginnings—the flower is a lentil blossom, a quiet reminder of the dish that started it all. The name Stateline Road nods to the stretch of road in Kansas City where Darryl grew up, running along the Missouri–Kansas state line and surrounded by the city’s legendary barbecue culture.
Darryl traded fine-dining equipment for 1,000-gallon smokers, carrying forward his technique and respect for ingredients. Stateline Road Smokehouse opened in the fall of 2024 in Napa’s Rail Arts District, inside a restored Quonset hut that once housed a neighborhood auto shop. When the doors opened, Darryl became the first Black restaurateur in Napa since the 1800s. Today, that blend of Kansas City roots, Napa expertise, and a partnership built on heart defines who we are—food crafted with intention and cooked to taste its absolute best.
Stateline became a reality when Darryl teamed up with Napa native Jeremy Threat—also a hospitality veteran with a sharp financial mind and decades of experience guiding some of California’s most respected restaurants. What began as a simple idea turned into a partnership shaped by shared values: great food, genuine service, and a commitment to community.
FOUNDERS
Darryl Bell- Executive Chef & Co- Owner
Chef Darryl Bell built an accomplished career in some of the country’s most respected kitchens, rising to Executive Sous Chef at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bistro, cooking at Alinea in Chicago and Etoile in Yountville, and ultimately serving as Chef de Cuisine at PRESS in St. Helena. Along the way, he launched 816 BBQ Sauce—a Kansas City–style sauce created as a way to give back to causes he cared about, including the Rafiki Foundation and No Kid Hungry. Even as he thrived in fine dining, Darryl felt the steady pull of barbecue—the unpredictability of smoke and fire, the way it transforms ingredients, and the deep sense of home it creates. Sharing that craft and feeling with Napa through Stateline Road Smokehouse remains one of the most meaningful steps in his career. In 2025, Darryl was named a James Beard Foundation Best Chef: California semifinalist, a recognition that honors both his technical skill and the integrity behind his cooking.
Jeremy Threat- Co- Owner
Born and raised in Napa Valley, Jeremy Threat grew up immersed in hospitality, gaining early experience in both the wine and luxury hotel industries before moving into restaurant leadership. Known for his rare combination of guest-centered service and sharp financial acumen, he developed a deep understanding of restaurant operations while managing dining rooms and learning to read the story behind the numbers. His career includes five years leading Bouchon and Bouchon Bakery within the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group, followed by his role as CEO/President of Vine Solutions, where he advised and supported nearly 400 restaurants across California. Today, his expertise and vision help guide Stateline Road Smokehouse with the same clarity, consistency, and heart he has brought to every step of his career.
Featured Press & Media
Community and Partners
Since 2011, 20% of profits from Stateline Road products have gone to No Kid Hungry and the Rafiki Foundation. We’re also proud partners of Seabourn Cruiseline and Traeger—and big supporters of local schools, youth teams, animal shelters, and the many community groups that make Napa feel like home.