In the small farming town of Altona, Illinois, an unexpected win from a local radio station's contest brought Phil Hennenfent an unusual prize - a smoker. It may have seemed like a simple cooking apparatus to some, but for Phil, it represented a world of flavorful possibilities. With the smoker in tow, Phil and his wife Johanna, who was then a nursing student, embraced their love for smoked food a
nd created Henn House Barbecue. The couple embarked on this adventure part-time, balancing full-time jobs and studies, while lighting up the smoker to delight folks with their Barbecue creations. This special blend, bursting with flavor and Henn House love, quickly became a favorite among the locals, and beyond. Despite the early mornings and late nights, juggling between full-time jobs and turning briskets, the couple never lost sight of their dream. The passion and dedication they poured into their BBQ endeavors were reflected in each dish they served. The word spread, their reputation grew, and the demand for Henn House Barbecue rapidly increased. By 2017, their labor of love had taken root and flourished into a household name in their local communities. This incredible growth prompted Phil to take the leap and devote himself full-time to their blossoming enterprise. The story took another amazing turn in February 2022 when Johanna, too, embraced Henn House Barbecue full time. Today, the dynamic duo lights up various events with their tailor-made menus, adding personalized care to weddings, birthdays, retirement parties, office lunches, and more. At Henn House Barbecue, we don't just serve meals - we create memorable experiences. So the story continues, with Phil and Johanna serving up joy, one BBQ dish at a time, reminding everyone that dreams do come true, and sometimes, they taste like the best BBQ you've ever had.
