The Piston

When The Piston’s smoke master Frank Guidoccio began serving up his Austin-style barbecue to the bar’s hungry patrons in June 2010, owner Tarik Zaky had yet to even think of hiring him. At the time, Frank’s rock band, The Order of Good Cheer, was playing its first show at the Bloorcourt Village watering hole.

As per the group’s tradition, he lugged more than his bass guitar along. “He used to bring in his own smoked meat for his shows and give away pulled-pork sandwiches,” recalls Tarik. About five years and 20 gigs later, Tarik approached Frank when reworking The Piston’s menu. Formerly focusing on gourmet sandwiches, with Frank’s help, the bar launched its smokehouse menu in October 2014.