May is National Bar-B-Que Month and Soulman’s Bar-B-Que’s Meteoric Rise Continues as “North Texas BBQ Empire” Expands Across the Region

May 2, 2026 Business Investor

Let's Go!

50+ year legacy brand celebrates peak barbecue season with expansion, national recognition and unwavering commitment to Texas tradition

May is National Bar-B-Que Month and Soulman's Bar-B-Que's Meteoric Rise Continues as "North Texas BBQ Empire" Expands Across the Region Dallas, TX (Restaurant News Release) This National Bar-B-Que Month, the aroma of slow-smoked meats is drawing guests to Soulman’s Bar-B-Que’s, the beloved Texas institution that began as a single family-owned restaurant in Pleasant Grove, that is continuing its meteoric rise as a dominant force in regional dining. Now widely recognized as a “North Texas BBQ Empire,” the brand is accelerating expansion across North and East Texas while earning national accolades that underscore its staying power and quality during the most celebrated month in barbecue culture.

Founded in 1974 by Don and Teresa Hallett, Soulman’s has grown from a neighborhood barbecue joint into a powerhouse with more than 20 locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and East Texas. The brand’s continued growth reflects both strong consumer demand and a disciplined approach to scaling without sacrificing its signature low-and-slow, hickory-smoked cooking tradition.

Strategic Expansion Fuels Continued Growth

As part of its ongoing expansion strategy, Soulman’s is bringing its signature Texas barbecue to new communities, including a recently announced location in Gun Barrel City. The renovation project will transform a nearly 2,800-square-foot space into a new restaurant, marking the company’s southernmost expansion to date.

Construction is already underway with a projected summer opening, further extending Soulman’s reach into high-growth areas and reinforcing its presence in East Texas lake communities.

This expansion builds on a steady trajectory that has seen Soulman’s strategically enter both suburban and regional markets, positioning itself as a flagship for authentic Texas barbecue.

Celebrating National Bar-B-Que Month

With May marking National Bar-B-Que Month, Soulman’s is stepping into the spotlight during the most important season for barbecue lovers. Known for its slow-smoked meats and time-honored recipes, the brand is well-positioned to meet heightened seasonal demand as families, communities and backyard pitmasters alike celebrate Texas barbecue traditions. The milestone month also reinforces Soulman’s role as a go-to destination for authentic, high-quality barbecue across North Texas.

“National Bar-B-Que Month is a celebration of everything we stand for – family, tradition and great food,” said CEO Brett Randle. “It’s a time when barbecue brings people together, and we’re proud to be part of that experience for so many communities across North Texas.”

National Recognition and Industry Accolades

Soulman’s rapid growth is matched by a growing list of awards and recognitions that validate its reputation for quality and consistency. Over the past decade, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has earned national recognition from Eat This, Not That!, The Daily Meal, AOL and others, while consistently being named among the best barbecue destinations in Dallas-Fort Worth, solidifying its reputation as a true North Texas BBQ empire.

Additional accolades include recognition as:

These honors reflect Soulman’s ability to maintain high standards while scaling its operations, a balance that few regional chains achieve.

A Legacy Built on Quality, Heritage and Community

Central to Soulman’s continued success is its commitment to doing things the right way – slow smoking meats over hickory wood, serving generous portions, and delivering a consistent, high-quality guest experience.

With a menu rooted in time-tested family recipes and a philosophy centered on craftsmanship and hospitality, the brand has cultivated a loyal following across generations of Texans.

The Future of a Texas Original

As Soulman’s looks ahead, its growth shows no signs of slowing. With new locations in development, continued recognition on national “best of” lists and a strong foundation built over five decades, the company is solidifying its place not just as a regional favorite, but as a defining force in Texas barbecue.

From its humble beginnings in Pleasant Grove to its current status as a North Texas BBQ empire, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que remains committed to its founding mission: serving great barbecue with heart, tradition and authenticity.

About Soulman’s Bar-B-Que

For more than 50 years, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has satisfied the hardest to please bar-b-que lovers….Texans! Founded in Pleasant Grove, Texas, in 1974, Soulman’s had only a few simple goals – serve great Texas-style BBQ and offer friendly, sincere service. With a focus on Faith, Food, and Family, Soulman’s passed-down recipes are still the foundation for the company’s success from their 8 different types of meat that are smoked “low & slow” over only hickory wood to their famous homemade sides, including Ranch house beans and Texas style cream corn! Throughout the years, this family-owned and operated company has remained true to its original strive for success and customer satisfaction and is honored to be considered one of the Best Regional Barbecue Chains to Try at Least Once (2025), Best Roadside Restaurants in America (2024), Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2024), the Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout & Delivery (2020), and one of the Best Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2018).

Soulman’s currently owns and operates 21 North and East Texas locations in Allen, Cedar Hill, Forney, Fort Worth, Garland, Greenville, Hurst Grapevine Highway, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mabank, Mansfield, Mesquite, North Richland Hills, Quinlan, Red Oak, Rockwall I-30, Rockwall Goliad, Royse City, Sulphur Springs, Terrell and Van. To learn more about Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, visit them online at Soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.