Big things are smoking at The Chuckwagon 719, 6453 Omaha Blvd.

Owners Jared and Deidre Hammond, along with sons Jaden and Jaxon, are planning a major expansion to their already booming barbecue business on the city’s east side.

When we stopped by in early February to pick up some of their award-winning cue, Deidre shared details about the family’s next chapter. The expansion centers on a separate building caddy-corner behind the current restaurant.

“We’re just waiting for approval from the owner to rent,” she said, pointing toward the long building behind the restaurant. “There’s 2,400 square feet there for more indoor seating and space for a stage for live music and entertainment. We’re getting a liquor license so customers can get a cold beer or cocktail with their meals.”

Plans also include landscaped outdoor seating plus upgrades to the current restaurant to help ease the famously long lines.

“We’re going to upgrade our current space and add two carving stations and two registers to speed the line for placing and picking up orders,” Deidre said.

On the Sunday we visited, customers wrapped around the walkway outside the building waiting for brisket, ribs and smoked meats.

“We take preorders,” she said, “but for some reason not many people take advantage of that. With the additional carving station and cash register that will help people in a hurry.”

The Hammonds launched the business three years ago with a food truck the family built together. Parked outside a strip mall on Omaha Boulevard, the truck quickly developed a cult following and regularly sold out lickety-split. The success translated into multiple Best of the Springs awards from The Gazette in consecutive years.

The restaurant will remain open during construction. Hours are noon-4 p.m. (or until sold out) Thursdays through Sundays. Details: 832-877-0549, Facebook.com/chuckwagon719.

A sugary salute to the Class of 2026

Need a sweet graduation gift that travels well? Confetti Confections has festive dessert boxes packed with gooey brownies, decadent cookies and plenty of colorful candy sprinkles — and they ship statewide, so there’s no need to drive to Denver.

Owners Otho (who goes by one name) and partner Wei Tang create custom boxes for graduations, birthdays, weddings, holidays and “just because” occasions. For grads, customers can request school colors to match the celebration.

Otho may sound familiar to longtime Colorado Springs foodies. More than a decade ago, he was a fixture in the local culinary scene, best known for award-winning desserts, including lemon bars that captured a top dessert honor at the 2009 Chef’s Gala.

“We specialize in homemade desserts and catering that make every celebration unforgettable,” the owners posted on Instagram. “Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a full-blown grad party, we’ll create custom treats that wow your guests and perfectly match your graduate’s style.”

The gift boxes are carefully packaged so treats arrive intact and individually sealed for just-baked freshness. Options include the Confectioners Gift Box ($60) with nine treats and the Jumbo Gift Box ($75) with 14 treats. Both include free standard shipping. Details: 720-880-0099, confetticonfections.com.