Photo by Skip Lawrence Marty Qually will run Smokehouse Alley on Chesapeake Avenue in Emmitsburg.

Marty Qually is bringing 20 years experience in the food service industry to the new venture, where he serves as general manager and chef of the restaurant.

"Beyond the food itself, which is mostly barbecue beef, pork, chicken, ham and turkey, I threw in catfish, in honor of my grandmother, who made the best catfish anywhere," he said.

A side order of collard greens will go well with anything on the menu, Qually said.

"If we just did the regular fare, we'd just be another barbecue place," he said.

Most of Smokehouse Alley's food is bought from local producers. It's a decision that not only makes good business sense, but is the right thing to do, Qually said.

"As a restaurant, your food should taste good," he said. "But when your customers know you're buying local foods, it's a business philosophy they can appreciate."

The restaurant, previously One More Tavern, will open with a new menu Sunday. The grand opening is Nov. 13.

Qually's experience as a chef for the Carriage House Inn equips him to cater to weddings, picnics or office parties.

"I bring it to you. I'm used to catering for 200 people or for 10 people," he said.

Bob Hance describes himself as a "silent owner" of Smokehouse Alley. Operation of the restaurant is completely up to Qually, he said.

Hance, co-owner of Carriage House Inn, owned One More Tavern for three years.

"We just needed to make a change to something with a barbecue theme. We thought the idea might work in town," he said.

The new business will put Hance's idle big smoker to use, he said.

Qually, a Mount St. Mary's University graduate, hopes to appeal to students at his alma mater.

"The dining hall is a lot better, but every now and then you need to order something," he said. "I'm really excited about this place. It's affordable and if I need to do something fancy, I can."