A family-owned and operated barbecue joint is expanding within Kyle with its first brick-and-mortar location. The opening comes after years of building a local customer base that grew hungry for more.
"I have been smoking meats since I was 15 years old, but I decided to get into it after I smoked a brisket for my wife and she encouraged me to try to sell it to other people. I posted it on Facebook Marketplace and got a few customers, and it blew up! We decided to make a Facebook page, and it's gone great since," said co-owner Thomas Bloodworth.
Bloodworth BBQ owners Thomas and Laticha Bloodworth told MySA they decided to go all into the business after their success and unwavering support from friends and family. Thomas said he was even told to chase his dreams by his previous employer.
"I was working, and where I was, they told me to pretty much leave so I could go live my dream because I was living their dream by working for them," he said. "I thank them every day for that."
The small business will be housed downtown at 210 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640. A grand opening is set to, ideally, happen by the end of January.
Various types of meat will be available at the restaurant, including brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, chicken quarters, dino ribs, and sausage. Most of their meats are locally sourced within the state of Texas and smoked for hours at end.
"Sometimes the meats finish sooner, sometimes it takes a little longer. So you just gotta be patient and let it do its thing," Thomas said when discussing how long he smokes his brisket.
Since the meats are cooked to perfection, the family says they will not be serving barbecue sauce at their establishment.
"We are following the Lockhart kinda way because we feel if your food is good, then you do not need the sauce," said Laticha.
As for sides, everything will be homemade, including their famous five-cheese mac and cheese, grandmother's potato salad, baked beans, and coleslaw. The business plans to serve its full menu on weekends and homemade jerky shopping during the week. Jerky is expected to be a leading item for their business as they currently ship their products across the nation.
The duo expressed their excitement to open their business doors and asked anyone who wants to stay updated on the official opening date to check their Facebook group.
"We're excited and, of course, a little nervous since it's our first time doing this. But we have a lot of customers rooting for us, and Kyle loves that we are a family-owned business so we are very supported," said Laticha.
Find it: 210 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640