In 1966, Buddy Smothers invested in his wife LaMuriel’s talent by helping her become the owner of her first restaurant, the Pixie Drive Inn in Seymour, TN. Within a year business doubled, and Buddy soon quit the finance business to join LaMuriel in her newfound bar-b-q ambitions. With the help of their guests, they perfected the taste that would define Buddy's, from the dry rub and bar-b-q sauce to the delicious sides and desserts, including LaMuriel's famous lemon ice box pie. The first store with the Buddy's name opened in 1972 at 5806 Kingston Pike in West Knoxville and has remained open at that location for over fifty years.
