Players Smoked BBQ re-opens with new owner

Little did Michael Hoffman know about five years ago when he ordered a tri-tip sandwich from Players Smoked BBQ that he would become its eventual owner.

Hoffman, along with business partner Junia Painter, reopened Players Smoked BBQ, 1816 Howard Road, Tuesday, and plans on keeping things relatively the same — tri-tip, pulled pork, barbecue chicken and hot links cooked daily.

“Right now, we’re keeping things the way people love it,” Hoffman said. “Everybody has come to know Players with a certain taste. Our goal, right out of the gate, is to provide the same experience. Once we get our feet established, we might add a few things. Right now, we are giving people what they want.”

Hoffman, who was originally from Redondo Beach, moved to Fresno about 12 years ago and to Madera five years ago, working as a buyer...

Players is at 1816 Howard Road #5 and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.