Nothing goes together quite like the summer heat and the smokin‘ barbecue. The stress of the school year is slipping away and the rising temperatures make cooking outside a must. However, if you are worried about firing up your own grill, just head down to the Athens’ Mall and visit Kiser’s BBQ Shack for some great, all-American barbecue.

Kiser’s BBQ Shack opened last year, but the flavors of time-tested family barbecue are catching on in the area. Sean Kiser heads the restaurant that was built bottom-up from family recipes and an undeniable love of BBQ.

Kiser was raised in Chicago, but graduated from Ohio University. He fell in love with the small town of Athens.

“In Athens you either work for the university or own your own business,” says Kiser. Although he admits it was difficult to start a business during the economic downturn, Kiser opened the Shack because of his love of food.

Kiser sees a lot of locals at his restaurant but would love to reach more students. The restaurant lies inconspicuously inside the Athens’ Mall, so word of mouth is the primary advertising to reach new customers. The food is delicious, colossal, and affordable, which average college student are bound to love.  The frugal foodie will appreciate the great deals Kiser’s offers, such as a half-pound pulled pork sandwich for less than six dollars.  You can check out the full menu at http://www.kisersbbqshack.com/menu. Now equipped with a new delivery service for those lazy summer days, Kiser’s is sure to feed more than just the townies the summer.

The Shack uses all natural and local produce. And you can taste it; the BBQ with a conscience. The farmers’ market is conveniently set up in the mall parking lot, right outside the restaurant, so Kiser tries his best to use as many local products as possible.  All of the silverware and cups are compostable as well.

Kiser’s menu offers a long list of meaty goodness. Everything from BBQ chicken, ribs and garden burgers are prepared fresh and accompanied by classic sides like coleslaw and stewed beans.

“Pork is king of the menu,” says Kiser, even though his personal favorite is the BBQ Chicken. No matter what you order, it is sure to be piled high, succulent, and complimented by three dynamite BBQ sauces. The tasty trio of sauces consists of a sweet red, a smoky and spicy, and a classic bold and tangy Carolina vinegar.  Make it a summer goal to pick your finger-licking favorite flavor.  Kiser says that every BBQ sauce needs “sweetness, tanginess and always some love.” Kiser’s sauce secrets have been passed down from generations of great BBQ masters.

When asking for some tips for the inexperienced barbecuer, Kiser said, “Don’t do it yourself! Come here!” All jokes aside, he made it very clear that the backyard grill and barbecuing are two completely different animals. Unlike grilling, barbecuing is all about smoking the meat “low and slow.” At Kiser’s it takes 18 hours alone to smoke their meat to make it fall-off-the-bone tender.

So listen up summer students! ‘Tis the season for BBQ. Next time you head past the Athens’ Mall, don’t pass up Kiser’s BBQ Shack. You’ll love the pit-smoked, slow cooked goodness.