Abilene, Texas — An Abilene barbecue restaurant is drawing national attention as it sits atop USA Today’s Best Texas-style barbecue competition.
Jay’s BBQ Shack is currently listed in first place in the contest. Owner Jay said the restaurant learned about a week ago that it had been nominated.
Jay’s BBQ Shack is currently listed in first place in the contest. Owner Jay said the restaurant learned about a week ago that it had been nominated. (KTXS, Kayla Hamlett)
“We found out about a week ago that we were nominated by USA Today for a top ten Texas-style barbecue restaurants in the nation. And they narrowed it down to 20. And then everybody votes for the top ten, and currently we’re in first place,” Jay said.
The recognition comes for a business that opened in 2015, starting as a catering operation before moving to a food truck and eventually into a brick-and-mortar location. (KTXS, Kayla Hamlett)
The recognition comes for a business that opened in 2015, starting as a catering operation before moving to a food truck and eventually into a brick-and-mortar location.
Behind the scenes, the work starts early. Jay said the crew fires up the pits around 3:30 in the morning and cooks meat for hours before customers arrive. (KTXS, Kayla Hamlett)
Behind the scenes, the work starts early. Jay said the crew fires up the pits around 3:30 in the morning and cooks meat for hours before customers arrive.
“We started at 3:30 in the morning, fire pits, get the big meats on, and then cook all day,” Jay said.
Customers said brisket is a standout and appears to be the most popular item on the menu.
Customers said brisket is a standout and appears to be the most popular item on the menu. (KTXS, Kayla Hamlett)
“Favorite would have to be probably just the sliced brisket,” one customer said.
Another customer said they sought out the restaurant after doing research.
“I did some research because we haven’t had any barbecue yet, and everyone said that this was on the Texas Monthly Top 50… so you’re like, well, I have to try it out,” the customer said.
“I did some research because we haven’t had any barbecue yet, and everyone said that this was on the Texas Monthly Top 50… so you’re like, well, I have to try it out,” the customer said. (KTXS, Kayla Hamlett)
Others praised the food and encouraged people to try it.
“We love coming here. This is some of the best barbecue you can get. Highly recommended. The brisket is always A-one,” a customer said.
Customers have traveled from outside West Texas to try the barbecue, including visitors from Washington state and Florida. (KTXS, Kayla Hamlett)
Customers have traveled from outside West Texas to try the barbecue, including visitors from Washington state and Florida.
Voting is open through mid-October. Jay said voting is as simple as clicking the link and pressing vote, and he hopes local support helps keep the restaurant at the top. (KTXS, Kayla Hamlett)
Voting is open through mid-October. Jay said voting is as simple as clicking the link and pressing vote, and he hopes local support helps keep the restaurant at the top.
“The support the community gives us, we’ll probably stay in first place because, you know, we’ve got a lot of fans here,” Jay said.
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