Meet the Pitmaster Bringing Texas-Style BBQ to Coachella

Food + Drink

Just Smoke BBQ owner Jimmy Garduño shares what he loves about desert life, why he chose Texas-style barbecue, and which dishes locals love the most.

by | Dec 6, 2025

Just Smoke BBQ owner Jimmy Garduño.
Photo by lauren randolph

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What’s so great about desert life?

What I love most about life in the desert is that: It’s not overcrowded. It’s a short drive to visit the beach, snow, or mountains. And the overall culture.

What should diners expect when they grab a meal at Just Smoke BBQ?

Being that we’re a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation, our goal is for all our customers to feel as if they’re enjoying some great barbecue with friends and family in their own backyard.

Delicious eats. 

Why barbecue?

We decided to open a Texas-style barbecue business here in Coachella not only because it was missing one, but because the barbecue process itself is incredible — from the simplicity of the recipe, clean smoke, and lengthy process, you continue to learn throughout each cook.

Most popular item on the menu?

Our most popular item on the menu would definitely be between our slow-smoked brisket and the smoked mac and cheese.

When people come to Coachella, what locations should they visit?

We recommend Veterans Park and Sixth Street in downtown Coachella, which has a variety of restaurants and coffee shops: Jalisco Restaurant, Sixth Street Coffee, Coachella Firehouse Bar & Grill, El Tranvia, and Las Tres Conchitas Bakery.

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