When four friends from Kiama heard that Gainsborough’s much-loved takeaway was suddenly closing, they came together to fast-track a plan they’d been sitting on for years.

“We jumped into dream mode,” recalls Esther Keenan, best known as the owner of local printing service Known Design and Print.

Along with her husband, Nathan, and close friends Michael and Shaye Lucassen, they began to “put legs on a conversation” they had been having for over two years.

The dream? To create a local smokehouse in Kiama.

Between the four friends, they had the skillset. Michael is the chef in-store, with more than 30 years’ experience; Shaye and Michael both have extensive food backgrounds, catering locally for events in Kiama for years.

What they didn’t have was time — the lease on the shopfront had to be filled urgently. Overnight, Gainsborough Takeaway was transformed into Hook & Ember. Their slogan? Coastal flavour, smokehouse fire.

“We opened just two weeks after confirming our lease at the Gainsborough shops,” recalls Keenan.

“It was a hectic forty days from Christmas onwards, with new opening hours coming into play at the start of February.”

When Hook & Ember opened eight weeks ago, they were “blown away” by the support of locals — some relieved fish and chips were still on the menu, many excited by the prospect of smoky specials.

“Naturally, we knew we couldn’t get rid of fish and chips, but wanted to add our own flavour,” says Keenan.

“This is where Michael’s experience and enjoyment of smoking meats and being creative with food came into the picture.”

Pre-orders are currently open for their second Smokehouse Saturday on 28 February. Locals can pre-order limited-edition, slow-smoked items, including their signature 24-hour brisket, pork belly lollipop, or a ‘full-tilt smokehouse spread’ made for sharing.

Their first Smokehouse Saturday in January sold out.

“There was a great atmosphere,” recalls Keenan.

“We had acoustic live music on the pavement, with locals bringing camp chairs and enjoying their smokehouse packs scattered around the front of the store.”

Next on the menu? A catering service, offering their signature smoky menu for events and parties.

The couples have four children each, with ages ranging from eight to 19, so it’s a busy time for the four entrepreneurs, who are bonded by their shared aspirations.

“Both families have very full lives, with a whole bunch of kiddos on board,” says Esther. “Some [of our kids] love working in-store — and others just enjoy the food they get to eat.”

For pre-orders, visit hookandember.com.au.