The Lone Star State-Inspired Barbecue Joint Will Open Doors in June
HoléSmokes, a new restaurant boasting authentic Texas-style barbecue and ‘brisket smoked right,’ will soon open its doors in Costa Mesa, bringing bold flavors, expertly smoked meats and classic comfort sides to central Orange County. The HoléSmokes concept was forged by Ian Bascon, head of operations for regional Mexican fast casual chain Holé Molé, and Chef Dan Ramon, a San Antonio native, BBQ enthusiast and experienced chef. The power duo brings complementary expertise – 13 years of restaurant management for Bascon and 20 years of culinary leadership for Ramon – to the exciting new concept. HoléSmokes is set to open this June at 1500 Adams Ave, Unit 100B in Costa Mesa, just across from Holé Molé Costa Mesa.
“Chef Dan and I bonded over a shared passion for cooking and smoking meats, and we began testing barbecue items, like smoked shrimp and brisket tacos, at Holé Molé restaurants last year. We knew we had something special when customers began asking for it daily,” said Bascon. “When the space across from Holé Molé Costa Mesa became available, we took it as a sign to open an authentic, Texas-style barbecue concept.”
The son of Holé Molé founders Scott and Lisa Bascon, Ian was raised in the restaurant business and has led the Mexican fast casual’s day-to-day operations for 10 years. Now forging his own path as a second-generation restaurateur, Ian is pouring his passion for authentic, ‘all smoke, no mirrors’ barbecue into the new HoléSmokes restaurant.
Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Dan Ramon grew up driving around the state seeking out authentic Texas barbecue from mom-and-pop spots on the side of the highway, out of the back of pickup trucks and at hole-in-the-wall gas stations. Now as a chef specializing in traditional BBQ methods himself, Ramon will honor the true-to-Texas, low-and-slow meat smoking method he grew up studying and falling head over boots for via HoléSmokes’ menu.
“I’ve learned that if you’re doing it right, there are absolutely no shortcuts in Texas barbecue,” said Ramon. “From Prime meats smoked in-house overnight to scratch-made spice rubs and barbecue sauces that will take us three hours to create each day, quality will be at the center of everything we feature on the HoléSmokes menu. It’s easy to do barbecue wrong, but we’re committed to doing it right.”
With the tagline ‘Brisket Smoked Right!,’ HoléSmokes will deliver its promise to serve authentic, bold Texas-style barbecue. The menu will feature beloved BBQ classics like Pulled Pork, Baby Back Ribs, Smoked Chicken and marinated Tri-Tip. All meats will be smoked low and slow using a 50/50 blend of pecan and oak logs imported from Texas and Oklahoma. The woods were chosen for their authenticity – pecan is Texas’ state tree – and harmonious balance of mellow, smooth pecan alongside bold, aromatic oak. As any good Texan knows, barbecue isn’t complete without the fixings; HoléSmokes’ sides will include favorites like creamy Mac and Cheese, fresh Collard Greens and homestyle Baked Beans, to name a few. While the new HoléSmokes location will focus on traditional barbecue fare, guests will be able to order from the adjacent Holé Molé Costa Mesa restaurant.
The full-service concept will seat 50 guests inside, 18 at the bar and 30 on the patio. The inviting interior will feature Texas BBQ-themed décor like chalkboards, oak and pecan logs stored under family-style tables and a long oak bar-top serving wine, low-proof cocktails and beer, including Texas-favorite Shiner Bock. HoléSmokes will create more than 30 jobs for local residents. Interested cooks, bartenders and waitstaff can send their resumes to employment@holemole.com.
For more information about HoléSmokes, visit www.holesmokes.com and find the brand at @HoleSmokes on Instagram.
HoléSmokes is a full-service barbecue restaurant bringing authentic Texas favorites straight to Orange County. Serving ‘brisket smoked right,’ HoléSmokes doesn’t skimp on quality of ingredients, portions or the time-honored tradition of smoking meats. HoléSmokes believes there are no shortcuts in delivering real, authentic Texas barbecue. All meats are Prime, smoked in-house overnight using a blend of imported pecan and oak logs, and are complemented by an array of classic comfort sides and scratch-made sauces. For more information, visit www.holesmokes.com or call (714) 677-0531.
