i. Biography
Johan Fritzell founded Holy Smoke BBQ in Bräcke, Sweden, in 2014 and has led it since. He presents the restaurant as authentic American barbecue and compares its atmosphere to a bit of Texas in Sweden. His origin story is blunt: “Instead of buying a Porsche when I turned 40 I bought a big ass smoker, and I’ll buy a Ferrari when I’m 45. That was the plan anyway.”
At a Glance - Role: Founder, Holy Smoke BBQ, 2014–present. - Craft: Meat is barbecued in smokers for up to 24 hours, depending on the type and size of the meat. - Food: Brisket, short ribs, pulled pork, chicken, sausages, coleslaw and pickles are part of the offering. - Scale, in his words: “This is authentic American barbecue, the real thing. We have five smokers working 24/7 and last summer, around 65 staff were making sure that everything was running smoothly. It’s like hosting a festival, every day!”
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Johan
Where does Johan Fritzell work?
He works at the barbecue restaurant he founded in Bräcke.
Who is Johan Fritzell?
He is the founder of Holy Smoke BBQ.
What is Johan Fritzell known for?
He is known for authentic American barbecue built around long-smoked meats.
