Welcoming guests at the Ole Smokehouse recently were, from left, back, Donnie Seguin, Paige Moulton, Nikki Dominie, co-owner Robin Barkley, Kyla Johnston, Jena Cryderman, Lori Tisdell, Brad Lust, Tyler Fefee, Ashley Peggs; seated, Devon Vallance, Ashley Frank, Amanda Burns, and Blake Barkley.

The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce will present its first Customer Service Excellence award to The Ole Smokehouse of Madrid at the Chamber’s annual dinner on October 23.

This is the first year that the County Chamber is giving a Customer Service Excellence award.

“We are delighted to recognize a business that has proven the impact of a smile and a culture of ‘customer first,’” Chamber Executive Director Brooke E. Rouse said.

“The Barkleys exemplify the strength of a traditional ‘family business’ which has been communicated to employees beyond blood lines,” Rouse said. “From initial greeting, to warm dining recommendations, quick service and personable staff – your belly is satisfied and heart is warmed by the attention you receive at The Ole Smokehouse. To Stephen and Robin, this is just how you do business. To their customers, it is a real treat.”

Service will continue to be recognized by the chamber, Rouse added, “because it is a critical element to building a strong economy, for local residents and visitors, in all industries across the region.”

The awards will be presented at the chamber’s annual dinner Oct. 23 at SUNY Potsdam’s Student Union Multi-Purpose Room. Cocktails are at 6 p.m. with a seated dinner to follow at 7 p.m.

The evening will also include a silent auction and live auction by Auctioneer Willis Shattuck.

Some seats at $45 per person are still available, Call the chamber at 386-4000 to RSVP.

Authentic Southern barbecue came to the North Country via Arkansas. It was in Little Rock that Norfolk natives Stephen and Robin Barkley attended a Southern barbecue cooking school, and bought their first smoker. They opened The Ole Smokehouse Restaurant at 3512 County Route 14 in Madrid in July 2008, and have been serving up great barbecue and other specialties ever since.

The restaurant is truly a family affair, with youngest son Blake Barkley serving as the Smokehouse’s “Pit Boss,” while daughter Amanda Burns works the bar and restaurant. (They also have a third son, Brandon, who isn’t currently in the business.) In 2011, the Barkleys added a pavilion just behind the restaurant, expanding their ability to host larger parties and reunions.

The family touch extends to customers, too, as evidenced by their nominations for the first County Chamber Customer Service Excellence award. Robin Barkley’s theory of customer service is simple: “We try to make them happy. If someone isn’t happy with something, we try to fix it. We just do the best we can.”

The atmosphere at the Smokehouse is comfortable with old West décor, and friendly and knowledgeable staff.

That family touch is apparent again, as Robin Barkley credits all Smokehouse staff who contribute: Marlaina Bush, Paige Moulton, Amanda Burns, Stacey Barney, Jena Cryderman, Amanda Deleel, Nikki Dominie, Ashley Frank, Makenzie Hough, Kyla Johnston, Ashley Peggs, Lori Tisdell, Tyler Fefee, Donnie Seguin, Devon Vallance, Blake Barkley, Melissa Curtis, Brad Lust, Connie Villnave, and Hunter Forsythe.

Find out more at their website: www.olesmokehouse.com.