The Ignite Grills & More Store
The Ignite “Grills and More Store” concept was born from our passion for grilling. Kirt and Cynthia created Ignite “The Grills and More Store” as a homage to our parents who loved our BBQ!
Our Mom and Dad, Henry & Reva Lewallen wanted so much for us to open a restaurant. Well…we figured out that if we could teach everyone how to create and share these amazing memories and fun that originated on our deck then their memory would be eternal. Thank you, Mom & Dad!
We invite you to live the grilling lifestyle at Ignite. We built our business on a simple philosophy. We will do whatever it takes, to take care of our customers, Source our products locally, regionally that are crafted and built in the USA.
Nothing bad happens when you gather with your friends and family with a great steak, slab of ribs, brisket, smoked turkey, and just about anything smoked on the grill. The pride and joy that goes with the joy of a delicious homemade meal never disappoints
We are so happy to welcome you to the Ignite family!
-Kirt & Cynthia Brown
Listen To Our Jingle!
Kirt Brown
Partner / Owner
Kirt spent his early years in the United States Marine Corp, serving his country proudly. One of his greatest honors is that he was the youngest Marine on November 10, 1981, the United States Marine Corp’s 206th birthday. Most of his career, 30 plus years, has been in media marketing and sales management. He was Sr. Sports Marketing Manager with both Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins for over 10 years. He pioneered business development with E.W. Scripps, one of the nation’s largest media companies. Kirt is passionate about smoked and grilled meats and the Kansas City Chiefs. He developed a passion for BBQ during attendance at many Chiefs’ games tailgating at Arrowhead Stadium.
Cynthia Brown
Partner / Owner
Cynthia has over 30 years in the healthcare industry. She has been married to her husband and business partner Kirt for 38 years. As many people do after retirement, she and Kirt decided they weren’t ready. To pay homage to their parents who loved to eat smoke and grill meats that Kirt prepared, they have ventured into an upscale Grills and More Store – IGNITE.
Eric Keithley
VP of Operations
Eric joins us with 15 years of management experience from Sonic Drive-In and convenience stores, most recently The Y Store. He has proudly lived in the Ozarks with his beautiful wife, Mandi his whole life. He is passionate about the outdoors and spends leisure time hunting, fishing, or enjoying smoked or grilled meats with friends.
Andrea Mertz
Director of Marketing
Andrea joins our team with over 20 years of Corporate Digital Marketing experience with Yum Brands, Inc. and most recently as a lake business owner with her husband, Jeff. They sold their lakeside resort to focus on their custom wood furniture business, Cliffside Design Company. Many of their pieces can be seen in our store. Andrea is living her longtime dream of residing on Table Rock Lake and spends her free time with grandkids, boating, gardening and grilling!
Mike Pitts
General Store Manager, Camdenton
Meet Mike Pitts, a passionate and energetic individual who has a zest for life and a love for sports. As a die hard Chiefs fan when he’s not working as a dedicated sales manager, you’ll find him on the grill, or indulging in his favorite sports activities and watching his favorite team. Beyond his professional life with over 20 years of sales and management experience Mike cherishes quality time with family, and he is the go-to person for organizing fantastic family barbecues that bring everyone together.
Pete Peterson
Assistant Store Manager, Branson West
Pete Peterson, our Branson West Assistant Manager, joined Ignite in 2022 as a part-time grill assembler. Pete has always enjoyed working with his hands and the challenge of assembling just about anything. Pete and his wife Sharon relocated from the suburbs of Chicago in 2015 where he worked in the printing business for over 40 years. He enjoys fishing, making holiday yard art with his wife and spending time with their fur babies.
Gail Dunn
Sales Associate, Branson West
Gail joins our team with years of sales experience and a background in business and marketing. She brings with her a genuine refreshing spirit that our customers are drawn to. Gail is a native Missourian, living life on Table Rock spending most of her free time enjoying her children and grandchildren. Gail loves to travel, try new foods, and she loves grillin’ and chillin’ with her husband, Brian.