The Legend
In 1988…
Bill Neumeier opened Coney Island in downtown Fort Smith. Shortly thereafter, a collaboration with longtime friend Bert Wright and others aimed to revitalize the fading downtown area. Efforts included hanging seasonal banners, organizing street dances, and other activities to inject much-needed energy into the community.
Next to Coney Island was a modest park with picnic tables and four large oak trees, which eventually became the foundation for the Rib Room. In 1990, after acquiring a popular downtown pizza wagon, improvements began on the outdoor area. These enhancements led to the opening of Coney Island’s Beer Garden in the summer of 1994. While work on the Beer Garden was underway, Bill was perfecting his BBQ recipes, leading to the introduction of his ‘soon-to-be-famous’ dry ribs in the summer of 1994. The ribs quickly became a local favorite and even won first place in the pork division at the 1994 Arkansas State BBQ Championship – a one-time entry that left a lasting impact.
The Beer Garden initially featured performances by local musicians, with the first national act, Popa Chubby, taking the stage in the summer of 1995. By 1996, a permanent stage was built, the pizza wagon was sold, and the park was expanded. That same year, Bill opened Papa’s Pub & Pizzeria at 508 Garrison Ave. It soon became a downtown favorite and still serves customers today.
In 1998, the Coney Island signs were taken down, and the restaurant underwent remodeling, including improvements to the stage and bar area. The establishment was renamed Neumeier’s Rib Room & Beer Garden, with the decor showcasing Bill’s lifelong passion for music. The original Beer Garden introduced Fort Smith to numerous great artists, such as Monte Montgomery, Paul Thorn, Theresa Anderson, Bugs Henderson, Ian Moore, and Grammy winner Keb’ Mo.
In 2008, Neumeier’s Rib Room & Beer Garden closed for major renovations, transforming into a new larger live music venue. For an entire year, Fort Smith endured what became known as the ‘dry rub apocalypse.’ The completely reconstructed two-story venue reopened in spring 2009, welcoming national acts like Ted Nugent, Bret Michaels, Grace Potter, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, The Winery Dogs, Black Star Riders, and Candlebox, as well as country and red dirt favorites Justin Moore, Corey Smith, Wade Bowen, Stoney LaRue, Randy Rogers Band and many more. Meanwhile, award-winning BBQ continued to be served.
“I met BBQ Jesus. He turned water into BBQ Sauce”
– Grace Potter
However, the hot Arkansas summers led to the difficult decision to shut down live music after the 2014 season, though the demand for the renowned ribs persisted. In the summer of 2015, a new opportunity arose, leading to the re-opening of a sit-down Rib Room restaurant at 5th and Garrison Avenue. With the help of friends, the space was transformed into Bill’s new vision, continuing the downtown Fort Smith BBQ tradition with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe. The decor at the reimagined Rib Room showcases many of the artists and bands that performed on the original Rib Room stage. The Voodoo Lounge Bar features memorabilia from one of Bill’s all-time favorite bands, The Rolling Stones. Sadly, Bill Neumeier passed away in November 2018. Today, his brother Joe Neumeier and his wife Linda carry on Bill’s legacy. The Neumeier family proudly upholds Bill’s tradition of championship-level BBQ, having earned numerous “best of the best” awards over the past few years. And when the weather allows, live bands perform on the new “beer garden” stage throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
Next to Coney Island was a modest park with picnic tables and four large oak trees, which eventually became the foundation for the Rib Room. In 1990, after acquiring a popular downtown pizza wagon, improvements began on the outdoor area. These enhancements led to the opening of Coney Island’s Beer Garden in the summer of 1994. While work on the Beer Garden was underway, Bill was perfecting his BBQ recipes, leading to the introduction of his ‘soon-to-be-famous’ dry ribs in the summer of 1994. The ribs quickly became a local favorite and even won first place in the pork division at the 1994 Arkansas State BBQ Championship – a one-time entry that left a lasting impact.
The Beer Garden initially featured performances by local musicians, with the first national act, Popa Chubby, taking the stage in the summer of 1995. By 1996, a permanent stage was built, the pizza wagon was sold, and the park was expanded. That same year, Bill opened Papa’s Pub & Pizzeria at 508 Garrison Ave. It soon became a downtown favorite and still serves customers today.
In 1998, the Coney Island signs were taken down, and the restaurant underwent remodeling, including improvements to the stage and bar area. The establishment was renamed Neumeier’s Rib Room & Beer Garden, with the decor showcasing Bill’s lifelong passion for music. The original Beer Garden introduced Fort Smith to numerous great artists, such as Monte Montgomery, Paul Thorn, Theresa Anderson, Bugs Henderson, Ian Moore, and Grammy winner Keb’ Mo.
In 2008, Neumeier’s Rib Room & Beer Garden closed for major renovations, transforming into a new larger live music venue. For an entire year, Fort Smith endured what became known as the ‘dry rub apocalypse.’ The completely reconstructed two-story venue reopened in spring 2009, welcoming national acts like Ted Nugent, Bret Michaels, Grace Potter, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, The Winery Dogs, Black Star Riders, and Candlebox, as well as country and red dirt favorites Justin Moore, Corey Smith, Wade Bowen, Stoney LaRue, Randy Rogers Band and many more. Meanwhile, award-winning BBQ continued to be served.
However, the hot Arkansas summers led to the difficult decision to shut down live music after the 2014 season, though the demand for the renowned ribs persisted. In the summer of 2015, a new opportunity arose, leading to the re-opening of a sit-down Rib Room restaurant at 5th and Garrison Avenue. With the help of friends, the space was transformed into Bill’s new vision, continuing the downtown Fort Smith BBQ tradition with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe. The decor at the reimagined Rib Room showcases many of the artists and bands that performed on the original Rib Room stage. The Voodoo Lounge Bar features memorabilia from one of Bill’s all-time favorite bands, The Rolling Stones. Sadly, Bill Neumeier passed away in November 2018. Today, his brother Joe Neumeier and his wife Linda carry on Bill’s legacy. The Neumeier family proudly upholds Bill’s tradition of championship-level BBQ, having earned numerous “best of the best” awards over the past few years. And when the weather allows, live bands perform on the new “beer garden” stage throughout the spring, summer, and fall.