If early results prove true, Mt. Baldy’s Barbecue is a hit.

For example, during its second day of business, the little barbecue joint affixed to the side of the Crystal Bistro sold out of stock on hand, 250 pounds of meat.

“We projected that people would enjoy our barbecue here in Enumclaw, especially during ski season and customers doing the tailgate thing before or after high school football games,” said Laurent “Auggie” Vereecken, who runs the show with wife Ann. “But never in our wildest dreams though did we anticipate being so popular in only our second day in business.

“I guess that proves that word of mouth really does spread like wildfire in small communities.”

Vereecken gives his wife much of the credit for getting the family business up and running.

“Ann is a real bundle of energy and we would have never even got this place off the ground without her or her dad (Lou Watkins) for that matter,” Vereecken said. “Ann used to be one of the top marketing people for Apple Computers before she decided she wanted to be a nurse instead. She is a dynamo and a real go-getter.”

Vereecken said his father-in-law had collected handfuls of blue ribbons for his barbecue efforts at state fairs in the Midwest with his rubs, dips and sauces. When Watkins retired, Vereecken acquired his kitchen and smoker.

Vereecken said his cooking process is another reason for the tasty final product.

“I met this chemist down Texas way a few years back,” he said. “I am not going to give away any company secrets, but the way he taught me to barbecue is somewhat unorthodox.”

Vereecken said the trick is controlling the amount of smoke in the cooker, retaining the moisture, juices and savory flavor of the chicken, pork or beef being prepared.

Mt. Baldy’s offers four sides to go with the meat, in the form of cole slaw, waffle fries, potato salad and baked beans.

Mt. Baldy’s Barbecue is at 1324 Roosevelt Ave. and is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Orders can be phoned in to 360-802-2BBQ (2227).