Police confirm popular BBQ chef found dead in Lansdale

The Lansdale business community and beyond has lost a restauranteur, entrepreneur, and barbecue expert.

Michael C. Wister, 58, of Lansdale, owner of Wister’s Barbecue, formerly Smoke Daddy’s Home Grown Barbecue, was found dead in Lansdale Saturday, according to Lansdale Police. 

First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with Mikes family during this difficult time. Mike was a part of our community and we will miss him," said Lansdale Police Chief Mike Trail. "Most unattended deaths (meaning no one was there to witness the actual death) are referred to the coroner’s office for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. Accordingly, Mike’s case was referred to the office of the coroner and we expect some understanding as to what caused his death at some point in the future."

While there is currently no investigation into Wister's death, police said from the coroner's findings, police will review the information to determine any course of action moving forward.

Wister's obituary stated he was battling a short illness. 

He is survived by his son, Michael J. Wister, who will continue the business, and ex-wife DIana Bromiley. 

"Michael loved BBQ. Over the course of 20 years, he and Diana owned a few smaller roadside stands serving customers throughout the area," said his obituary. "He loved music and collecting cool cars, with one of his pride cars being his Dodge Challenger SRT Demon he purchased a few years ago." 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Manna on Main Street, PO Box 763, Lansdale PA 19446, or online at  https://mannaonmain.org/give-money/donate-now/.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., with a Memorial Service to begin at 11 a.m. at Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, 701 Derstine Ave., Lansdale.

"As of Sept. 28, the owner of our little BBQ spot has passed away from illness. He was battling a few things throughout the last couple years, but always put up a brave face, not wanting to draw attention," wrote Wister's on its Facebook Tuesday, which has received more than 600 reactions and 151 comments. "He is survived by his son, who in turn plans to keep the business going and is committed to keeping his father's legacy."

Friends and customers took to the post to leave their comments and memories about Wister. 

"I'm devastated to read this. Mike, you were such a hardworking good guy! I have missed seeing you in the shop these last months and we are so sorry you had to leave," wrote Barb Calhoun, of North Wales. 

"This man was always great to my family, and he could sure cook some great BBQ. Peace to his family," wrote Calhoun's son, Derek. 

"Mike was a great guy and committed to the Dale. Hoping you all can make it work and praying for the family," wrote Ray Liberto.

"I am so so sorry to hear this. Had many long chats, even before he opened on Main. A really good guy, and a great great loss. Much too young,” wrote Bruce Schwartz.

"He was always a joy to speak with, and a great advocate for Lansdale," wrote State Rep. Steve Malagari. "He will be missed. May his memory be eternal."

“Michael, or Smoke Daddy as we affectionately knew him, was so passionate about BBQ, Lansdale, and life in general. Over the years from his makeshift operation at the Eagles Club to his store on Main Street, to the new store on Broad Street, we were spoiled by so much great food (especially the brilliant specials Michael would dream up),” wrote Jeff Sandler. “But we were even luckier to get to know the man behind the smoker and share some laughs over the years. As good as the food was and is, we always most looked forward to seeing Michael’s smiling face and sitting down at his booth to catch up and have a chat.”

“As a former employee of Mike he was a real character, some very fond memories were had working for him," wrote Leighanna Lombardi. "He not only gave me a job, but the opportunity to learn and grow. He entrusted 15 year old me at the time with more than most, teaching me responsibility and instilling a strong work ethic. I am so grateful for the time spent at the restaurant."

"Like many others, I met Mike at the Eagles Club. He always was kind and cheerful. We followed him to his other locations and had many many conversations about his specials and his desires to build his business. I'm saddened to realize that we will never get another email talking about his 'Maters' and his 'Shimpsies'," wrote Kristen Schopen-Gaskin.

The Scotch Plains, NJ native graduated from Union Catholic High School in 1984. In 2000, he received his B.S. in finance from Temple University.

Wister opened Smoke Daddy’s on Nov. 2, 2017 on Lansdale’s West Main Street, and, at the time, had three locations in Brooklyn, Queens and a NYC food truck.

In 2019, Wister had to change his business to his last name due to a threat of a trademark filing in federal court by a restaurant in Chicago with a similar name.

He had a knack for award-winning and delicious barbecue, winning the 2008 Garry Maddox BBQ Challenge, His love for barbecue, according to The Reporter, began with an inexpensive Walmart smoker in 2001 when he lived in Harleysville.

He honed his culinary skills in Atlanta at Fox Bros. BBQ, for 10 years before eventually opening a mobile Smoke Daddy’s truck that showed up to satisfy stomachs at the American Legion in Hatfield, the Lansdale Eagles Club and events like the former Lansdale Bike Night.

“Some people think barbecue is just heavily smoked meat but smoke is just another seasoning,” he told the newspaper in 2017. “Barbecue should be sweet, spicy, smoky and balanced. If you can strike that balance and cook tender meat you can have really delicious stuff that punches you in the mouth and makes you want to come back for more.”

At the time, Wister said Lansdale was developing into “a little community … as a place where you can get unique, eclectic and interesting things that aren’t available at every interstate interchange in America.”

“So, yes, if I had all the tools that I have in my tool box, without the name recognition, I’d still take a chance on Lansdale,” he said in the article, “because Lansdale has a future.”