The Brack Shack

MUCH MORE THAN FAMOUS EGG ROLLS

By Elizabeth Morrisey Photos By Chris Douglas

Shack continues to make a name for itself across Polk County.

You may have heard of the Brack Shack’s famous egg rolls stuffed with pulled pork, slaw and barbeque sauce or perhaps you’ve attended an event catered by the Auburndale restaurant. Either way Brack

Bracken Smith – King of the Egg Rolls, started Kick Yo’ Butt Catering in 2010 and attended many barbeque competitions with his father-in-law. He saw the cheering, trophies and checks being handed out and wanted to be a part of it. “I instantly took to it. I love the competitiveness and the people.” He even enrolled in a few classes to receive more training.

His famous egg rolls were born at the Smoke on the Water BBQ Festival in Winter Haven which takes place each February

The pulled pork Texas Cuban sandwich.

and more than 80 teams compete from across the country for the Florida State Grand Champion Title. Funds raised from the competition benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Polk County.

Although he won’t be able to continue participating in Smoke on the Water, he wants to support them in some capacity. “I feel a loyalty to them and to my egg roll fans,” he says.

For Smith, he thrives on the idea of taking a piece of raw meat and turning it into something “decadent”. His catering business has had a large following with consistent referrals, and he knew it was time to finally take the next step. Timing is everything.

After 10 years of branding at competitions and catering, Smith decided to open a brick and mortar restaurant. A long-time Auburndale resident, he felt it was important to stay in his community. “Our customers got us to where we are,” he says.

And Smith feels Auburndale is a safe and wonderful city to raise children. “The recreation department cares about the community and the kids,” he says. “And it’s right in the middle of two large cities. This is where I need to be.”

The Brack Shack, at 231 E. Lake Ave, Auburndale, is in the heart of downtown in a renovated building. It’s the old VFW building. He loves being in this building and feels it was a perfect match since his company colors have always been patriotic as well!

When you stop by, Smith continuously experiments so be on the look-out for new specials. If it ends up being a hit, they add it to the menu.

“We always want to have something cool or different on our menu,” he says. As far as egg rolls, the menu features the A-dale Cheesesteak with beef, BBQ ranch, peppers, onion and mozzarella. The Cuban egg roll has pulled pork, ham, swiss, pickles and a signature Cuban sauce. The Hibachi has lo mein noodles, grilled chicken, fried rice and yum yum sauce or dig into a Collard Pig if you are a collard greens fan.

“It all revolves around the egg rolls,” he says. And now fans can grab one more often. But Brack Shack offers much more than just egg rolls.

Owner and "King of the Egg Rolls" Bracken Smith.

nachos, chicken and BBQ sandwiches, wings, burgers and sides. Then finish it off with a dessert egg roll named after Elvis with banana, peanut butter, powdered sugar and caramel drizzle or grab some banana pudding – always a crowd favorite!

On Saturdays, Brack Shack serves up breakfast. The breakfast egg roll is stuffed with bacon or sausage, cheese and eggs. The menu also has Texas toast French toast, biscuits and gravy and more. If you are a coffee fan, order the Brackuccino – a 20 oz homemade iced coffee.

It took time before he and his family were ready for the type of commitment it takes to open a restaurant. Smith and his wife have an 11-year-old son and two 7-year-old twin girls. His son is involved in competitive soccer (Smith is an assistant coach) and the twins are enjoying gymnastics and recreational soccer.

“It’s hard to do what I do and still have time to be the dad I want to be,” he explains, adding that being able to spend more time with family is the reason Brack Shack is only open certain days of the week. “I’m not going to miss their childhood.”

While focusing on the restaurant, Smith continues to run his catering business for weddings and other events. And even offers DJ services, something he’s been doing 27 years for weddings, bars and parties. He offers catering prices for drop off/pick up or a full service buffet. Now customers can also rent his building for gatherings.

“I love the reaction and feedback from customers,” he says. “We focus on putting out good food with good service. It’s quality over quantity. We get ‘Kiss the Cook’ love from our customers. Without them we are nothing.” “And, Smith says, I could not do this without my staff!” He is so thankful for his hard working staff. “They have the same passion and commitment for the food, and our customers, as I do.”

Brack Shack will soon get its beer and wine license, and then will open on Friday nights for steak dinners and fish frys.

Once school starts, Brack Shack will be open for lunch Wednesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays for breakfast 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and lunch 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check out their Facebook page for updates and upcoming specials at: The Brack Shack & Kick Yo’ Butt Catering

The original pulled pork egg rolls made famous by Bracken Smith.