Our Story
Family Tradition, Smoked Low and Served with Love
Meet the Pitmaster and PAPA himself: Jim Wells!
Meet Jim Wells, the Owner and Pitmaster of PAPA’S Smokehouse. Married to the love of his life, Shenondoah Wells, Jim is a devoted father to three wonderful children: Colby, Mercedes, and Cashen. He's also a proud grandparent to three cherished little ones: Taylor, Tatum, and Camdyn.
From Local Roots to Nursing Leader
Known affectionately as PAPA, Jim is a local who graduated from Fort Walton Beach High School in 1986. His post-high school journey took him through various jobs in different industries. In 1994, he ventured into Nursing School, obtaining his Registered Nursing Degree in 1996. A decade later, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and in 2018, he capped off his academic achievements with a Master’s in Healthcare Quality and Safety.
Feeding Hearts, Leading Teams
During his healthcare career, Jim became recognized for organizing cookouts for colleagues, often serving meals for 200-250 people during holiday celebrations. Leading the Food and Nutritional Services department, he gained insights into food costs, budgeting, health inspections, and customer service.
From Healthcare to BBQ Dreams
After 27 years in healthcare, Jim decided it was time for a change. Pursuing his dream of opening a barbecue restaurant, he's thrilled to bring high-quality, absolutely delicious wood-smoked barbecue to his local community.
If you happen to see Jim in town or working hard in the restaurant, feel free to give a friendly honk or a big wave!
INTRODUCING THE CO-OWNER AND CO-PITMASTER OF PAPA'S SMOKEHOUSE: COLBY WELLS!
Meet Colby Wells: Co-Owner & Proud Dad
Introducing Colby Wells, the son of Jim Wells and Co-Onwer of PAPA’s Smokehouse! Colby is a proud father to two remarkable daughters, Taylor and Tatum, who are the absolute joys of his life. Born and raised in the Fort Walton Beach area, he attended Choctaw High School.
A Life of Service and Leadership
Colby’s career began in restaurants nationwide, including barbecue smokehouses, where he worked every role from busboy and waiter to cook, manager, and kitchen manager. Driven to help others, he became a Registered Behavioral Technician and worked as a behavioral therapist with children on the autism spectrum. After four years, he advanced to Lead Instructor and Executive Team member at a local private school.
Bringing Energy and BBQ to Niceville
Known for his boundless energy, Colby juggles many roles—owner of Colby’s Lawn Care, Majors Division Softball Coach, Vice President of Softball Operations for Shalimar Little League, and contributor to the Pryor Middle School Softball Team. Now co-owning PAPA’s Smokehouse with his father, he’s eager to serve Niceville delicious barbecue with his trademark big, joyful smile.
Meet Cashen: Co-Owner and Daughter
Born and raised in Selma, Alabama, Cashen has always felt a strong connection to the Emerald Coast, spending all her summers vacationing here with family. So moving here to help with the family business feels like coming full circle. Her career path has been anything but ordinary. She has spent years in both hospitality and healthcare, gaining valuable customer service experience.
When COVID-19 hit, she put her studies at the University of Nevada Las Vegas on hold and went to work at a hospital, eventually moving into the IT side as a Clinical Applications Analyst.
That mix of customer service, problem-solving, and teamwork built the foundation she now brings to PaPa’s Smokehouse.
Ultimately, she was called to Florida, where she became part of the family business. With her background in service and her heart for community, she’s proud to help carry on the tradition of good food and warm hospitality.
When not at the restaurant, you can usually find Cashen at the movies, lost in a book, baking something sweet, yelling in the stands for her nieces or rooting for the Vegas Golden Knights!!
Jim Wells, the first: Meet Grandpa Wells!
With over 30 years as a resident of the Fort Walton Beach area, Grandpa brings a wealth of experience to our venture. Having owned several restaurants in the past and with a robust background in the construction field, we couldn't resist coaxing him out of retirement to join us on this journey!
Content Grandpa: The Heart Behind the Build
Grandpa has played a pivotal role in the remodeling and reconstruction of the John Sims Parkway building, leveraging his expertise to ensure every detail meets the highest standards. His commitment to excellence will undoubtedly contribute to the warm and welcoming atmosphere we aim to provide, keeping smiles on our customers' faces throughout the day.
Four Generations, One Dream
This endeavor holds special significance for us as it marks the convergence of four generations of the Wells family, making this restaurant truly feel like home. We are thrilled to have Grandpa's invaluable insights and positive spirit as part of our team!
The Lovely Ladies Behind the Logo…PAPA’s granddaughters!
Papa's greatest Loves! Taylor and Tatum are the daughters of Co-Owner and Pitmaster, Colby Wells. Taylor and Tatum are well known in the Fort Walton Beach community; both girls are great students, heavily involved in sports, and they are some of the kindest-hearted girls you will ever meet. You will most likely see these girls in and out of the restaurant throwing big smiles everywhere. Camdyn is the daughter of Mercedes & Adam Chandler. Camdyn lives in the small town of Maplesville - but don't let that small town image fool you! Ms. Camdyn is full of spunk, laughter and all around love. She will steal your heart with her accent and crumble you with her quick jokes. While Camdyn won't be at the restaurant as much as Taylor and Tatum, you will surely see her on some weekends and certainly during the summer!
