BETHEL — It's been a smokin' good month for the owners of Big Kev's BBQ on Route 17B. Not only did they win the honor as the Best BBQ in Upstate New York in an online popularity contest, but they had a record-breaking week in mid-July for brisket sales. That's 800 pounds of brisket in five days to be precise.

For the past four years, the Brothers Monahan (Kevin and Donovan) have been operating their business out of their now familiar food truck at the corner of Royce Road and 17B, which also has a spacious picnic-style seating area.

They started the business in 2010, across the street from their current site at the Smallwood Flea Market. As Donovan tells it, there were many days in the first year when sales were at or near zero - and they had to eat the food that never sold.

But two years later, they brought home the 2nd place award for Best Ribs at The Hudson Valley Rib Fest, a competition they will return to in August. That 2012 award was the start of many accolades and rave reviews from customers.

Today, they sell out most of their brisket, chicken and ribs when they are open, which is 11 a.m. Wednesdays through Sundays “until they sell out.” And thanks to a grant from Sullivan County, they also recently purchased a second truck that's being used primarily to serve breakfast. (Brisket and eggs, anyone?)

The Monahans also cater events such as rehearsal dinners, weddings at places like The Arnold House in Livingston Manor, birthdays and annual events in nearby communities, like Chapin Estates.

“Big Kev” is actually their 66-year-old father, Kevin Monahan Sr., a Vietnam Veteran who was a chef in the Borscht Belt days at the Concord, Grossinger's and a few others. His wife, Diane Monahan, is also part of the family business that now has 10 employees, that includes the family owners and some part time staff.

Their secret?

“We do everything dry rub, slow cooked over a wood fire,” said Donovan. The brothers also smoke their brisket for 10-14 hours before serving it and smoke their chicken and ribs for about three hours.

Other local businesses benefit from Big Kev's success, including Monticello Bagel Bakery, which supplies bagels for Big Kev's breakfast, and Monticello's Colosseo, which has purchased Big Kev's pork as pizza topping.

And at least one high-profile couple from New York City - Dr. Michael Baden (former NYC Medical Examiner) and criminal defense attorney Linda Kenney Baden who are building a house in Chapin Estates - are big fans.

“Big Kev's is now a New York institution ...,” said Linda. “I hope this recognition propels the Monahan's to open a year round BBQ ... Some of our fun coming to Bethel on the weekends while we wait for our house to be built in Chapin is stopping at Big Kev's.

“And we love the real lemonade to top it all off."