A love of family, community and food are the three principles Mike McFarland and his wife, CJ have built their business, Smokin' Barrel Barbeque, on. 

It has been that way since 2016 when the couple decided to try their hand at bbq full-time after winning several competitions. 

For Mike McFarland, the business is the end result of his goals after attaining a degree from Pennsylvania Culinary School. In 2015, he started smoking meats and competing in various backyard bbq competitions. 

"He and I met 17 years ago working at Smokey Bones. We met when I worked as a waitress through college and he was a kitchen supervisor and restaurant opening trainer. Kids and careers took us a different way, but after winning a few competitions, we decided to try bbq full-time," CJ McFarland told Giant FM.

McFarland said all the food made at Smokin Barrel is keto friendly and the bbq is cooked slow and and smoked low on wood. 

And, it is made with something that a price tag cannot be put on -- pride and love. 

"We love what we do. We love being with our family. We love the communities that surround us and that support us regularly. New Palestine and Warren Township have become our biggest support systems. Our bbq is our family and it is our culture," CJ McFarland said. 

McFarland said there are potential plans for indoor dining and possibly a patio area in the future. 

"We want to be great at what we are currently doing. We are looking to offer breakfast on Saturdays. Catering in the beginning was our main focus. we still cater, but try to limit it to smaller events as our bbq is an art. It takes at least 15 hours for our meats to be prepped and smoked," McFarland said. 

McFarland welcomes anyone who likes bbq to give them a try. She told Giant FM the staff aims to make all customers feel like family. 

"We provide good food and service and make all feel welcome. We provide a safe work environment for young people, and our kids work alongside us. Our faith in God has kept us encouraged and has confirmed more than once that we are doing what we are supposed to be doing. Acts 2:42," McFarland said. 

Smokin' Barrel Barbeque is located at Camp Sertoma, 2316 S German Church Rd, Indianapolis, just outside New Palestine. It is open Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. 

For more information, call 317-340-4502 or at www.smokin-barrel-bbq.com.