History

Wes was a very cool guy who had moved to R.I. from Missouri (not entirely by his own choice) around '72 or so. Once he got here, he quickly realized that if he wanted some decent BBQ in Providence, he was going to have to do it himself.

Wes’ Rib House first opened on Broad Street in Providence, R.I. in 1973. Ten years later, in 1983, they relocated to Dike Street in the heart of Olneyville to follow the smokey BBQ aroma. There was a big renovation of the restaurant 2012, turning it into a first-class, intimate, friendly gathering place for those who love barbecue.

Fast-forward to today — and here’s my part of the story.
I stepped into this place with respect for the history and for the flavors people grew up on. Wes built something that mattered, and I honor that. We’re not erasing what people loved — the ribs, the smoke, the sauces, the comfort of those plates.

But time brings growth.
And growth brings flavor.

At Fire & Flavor Smokehouse, we’re keeping the heart of those classic barbecue traditions, while adding our own island touch and elevating the recipes with the quality and creativity of today. Think of it as the next chapter: the same soul, a deeper flavor, and a fresh vision built with care.

We honor where it started.
We build on it with pride.
And we serve it with the same fire — and a whole lot of new flavor.

38 DIKE STREET, OLNEYVILLE,
PROVIDENCE RI 02909

Stay tuned for OUR New Location January 2026!!

Exterior of a building with a sign reading "Wes' Rib House." Brick and stucco facade, fenced-off parking area, and street signs for Dike Street. Snow-covered ground visible in foreground.
Cartoon pig character wearing a cowboy hat and red bandana, smiling.
black arrow pointing right on a transparent background
Exterior of Wes's Rib House with signage on brick and gray building, located on Dike Street, with a white car parked nearby. Street signs, a tree, and a sidewalk are visible in the foreground.
Illustration of a log with visible wood grain and branch stubs.
Black and white photo of a worker in a narrow, bright window opening, surrounded by light and mist, tools on belt, industrial setting.
Old brick hotel building with boarded windows and no signs of activity. Overgrown plants and an empty parking lot in the foreground.
Old brick building with boarded-up windows and empty parking spaces in front.
Person on cherry picker painting a mural for Wes' Rib House, established 1973, on a dark building wall.
Interior of a restaurant under renovation with building materials and construction equipment.
Brick building with red lettering "Wes Rib House Since 1973" partially obscured by tree branches.
Interior of an under-construction or renovation restaurant with high ceilings, large windows, exposed ductwork, wooden flooring, and a bar area with industrial design elements.
Interior of a commercial space under renovation, featuring unfinished walls, high windows, ceiling fans, ceiling lights, and a wooden floor. A chair and a high chair are near the front entrance, while scaffolding is visible next to the window.
Interior of an empty restaurant or bar under renovation, featuring red and dark wood walls, large windows, and industrial lighting. A high chair and a single black chair are visible.
Workers inside a partially constructed restaurant or bar with exposed brick and wooden walls, black ceiling, and suspended industrial lighting. Several people are sitting at the bar counter, with tools and ladders visible.
Interior renovation scene with large windows, a wooden wall, and construction tools including a saw and ladders.
Interior of a partially constructed restaurant or bar with orange walls, ceiling lights, and a metal counter.
Interior of a bar under renovation with open space, bar counter, construction tools, and exposed wiring.
Interior of a construction or renovation site with large windows, building materials, and tools on a counter.
Interior of a partially constructed or renovated bar or restaurant with industrial decor, featuring exposed brick walls, large windows, high ceilings with ductwork, and an orange accent wall behind a bar area with metal paneling. Various construction
Facade of Wes' Rib House with signage for award-winning BBQ, featuring a large orange logo and entrance door sign promoting Corona beer.
Old brick building with boarded windows under renovation, ladder against wall, construction debris on ground, two people visible inside, green leaves and blue sky in background.
Black and white image of a person working on scaffolding against a brick building.
Exterior of Wes' Rib House, a BBQ restaurant, featuring signage with operating hours and an entrance marked 'Award Winning BBQ.' The building has brick and gray walls.
Construction workers operating a cherry picker and tools near a gray building with multiple windows."
Exterior of Wes' Rib House with brick and dark siding, displaying the restaurant's name and establishment year on the wall.