Dignowity Meats owner Andrew Samia is branching into the barbecue business. He recently acquired the property at 2011 Mission Road, and plans to turn it into a classic Texas barbecue operation.
Dignowity Meats owner Andrew Samia is branching into the barbecue business. He recently acquired the property at 2011 Mission Road, and plans to turn it into a classic Texas barbecue operation.
Photo: Chuck Blount / San Antonio Express-News
Dignowity Meats owner Andrew Samia is branching into the barbecue business. He recently acquired the property at 2011 Mission Road, and plans to turn it into a classic Texas barbecue operation.
Dignowity Meats owner Andrew Samia is branching into the barbecue business. He recently acquired the property at 2011 Mission Road, and plans to turn it into a classic Texas barbecue operation.
Photo: Chuck Blount / San Antonio Express-News
The old signage at 2011 Mission Road, indicates that the property used to be called South Grill Bar-B-Q, Tex-Mex & Catering.
The old signage at 2011 Mission Road, indicates that the property used to be called South Grill Bar-B-Q, Tex-Mex & Catering.
Photo: Chuck Blount / San Antonio Express-News
The interior of Andrew Samia's planned barbecue operation at 2011 Mission Road already has a 30-foot pit area equipped.
The interior of Andrew Samia's planned barbecue operation at 2011 Mission Road already has a 30-foot pit area equipped.
Photo: Chuck Blount / San Antonio Express-News
Texas is known for its tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs and tasty sides. Down here, it is easy to find great barbecue joints anywhere, even if they aren't nationally recognized. The Chive listed 20 awesome barbecue restaurants that do not get the attention they deserve, but yet they are are-so tasty. Keep clicking to see which Texas eateries made the list. less
Texas is known for its tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs and tasty sides. Down here, it is easy to find great barbecue joints anywhere, even if they aren't nationally recognized. The Chive listed 20 ... more
Photo: File
Tyler Barbecue
Located in Amarillo, this barbecue joint has received praise from Texas Monthly, Amarillo Magazine and multiple bloggers. The restaurant's owner, Tyler Frazer, states online that he has "the world's largest smoker and grill" and focuses on cooking for large groups and events, though his restaurant is open daily.
lessTyler Barbecue
Photo: Richard Titus / Courtesy
Located in Amarillo, this barbecue joint has received praise from Texas Monthly, Amarillo Magazine and multiple bloggers. The restaurant's owner, Tyler Frazer, states online that he has "the
... moreTexas Pride Barbecue
It's hard to get more pure Texas than this. Texas Pride, a gas station-turned restaurant, is located in Adkins, just east of San Antonio along Loop 1604. Other than serving barbecue, the restaurant has a stage and large dance floor for events and concerts.
lessTexas Pride Barbecue
Photo: Karla Held, For The Express-News
It's hard to get more pure Texas than this. Texas Pride, a gas station-turned restaurant, is located in Adkins, just east of San Antonio along Loop 1604. Other than serving barbecue, the
... moreBlack's Barbecue
The restaurant has been family owned since 1932 in the small town of Lockhart, located about 20 miles east of San Marcos, otherwise known as the barbecue capitol of Texas. Black's Barbecue has been recognized by President Lyndon Baines Johnson, The Food Network and The Travel Channel, as the longest continuously operating, family owned barbecue joint in Texas.
lessBlack's Barbecue
Photo: Google Images
The restaurant has been family owned since 1932 in the small town of Lockhart, located about 20 miles east of San Marcos, otherwise known as the barbecue capitol of Texas. Black's Barbecue has
... moreLa Barbecue
This fairly new Austin hotspot has a casual, outdoor atmosphere. Menu items include brisket, pulled pork, turkey, sausage and ribs.
La Barbecue
Photo: Laura Skelding, Staff Photographer
This fairly new Austin hotspot has a casual, outdoor atmosphere. Menu items include brisket, pulled pork, turkey, sausage and ribs.
Mike Anderson's BBQ House
Since 1982, Mike Anderson has been serving up brisket, shops and other barbecue favorites in his Dallas restaurant and for catering. Their website states, "Where there is fire, there is smoke. Where there is smoke, there is BBQ. Where there is BBQ, there are friends and family. Where there are friends and family, you have found the good life."
lessMike Anderson's BBQ House
Photo: Instagram Screenshots
Since 1982, Mike Anderson has been serving up brisket, shops and other barbecue favorites in his Dallas restaurant and for catering. Their website states, "Where there is fire, there is
... moreKreuz Market
Located in the barbecue capitol of Texas, Kreuz smokes their barbecue in old-fashioned brick pits, in a style that is traditional to Germans. Kruez Market has been in operation since 1900, but has had several owners. The original market sits in Lockhart, but another sits in Bryan.
lessKreuz Market
Photo: CHARLES BARKSDALE, File
Located in the barbecue capitol of Texas, Kreuz smokes their barbecue in old-fashioned brick pits, in a style that is traditional to Germans. Kruez Market has been in operation since 1900, but has
... moreStanley's Famous Pit Bar-B-Q
Located in Tyler, this mom-and-pop joint has served barbecue for over 50 years. The restaurant prides itself in having over 65 bourbons and Texas craft beer options. Also, the restaurant hosts live music daily.
lessStanley's Famous Pit Bar-B-Q
Photo: Stanley's Famous Pit Bar-B-Q / Courtesy
Located in Tyler, this mom-and-pop joint has served barbecue for over 50 years. The restaurant prides itself in having over 65 bourbons and Texas craft beer options. Also, the
... moreCity Market
The humble restaurant in Luling is located in the middle of the town. City Market is renowned for its ribs and specially made sauce, and has been given top ratings by Texas Monthly and Southern Living.
lessCity Market
Photo: Twitter Screenshots
The humble restaurant in Luling is located in the middle of the town. City Market is renowned for its ribs and specially made sauce, and has been given top ratings by Texas Monthly and Southern
... moreKillen's Barbecue
Pearland's two-year-old Killen's Barbecue has already received credit by prominent magazines and food networks. Top dishes include beef ribs, brisket, house-made beef and pork sausage, pulled pork sandwiches, potato salad, pinto beans, bread pudding, cobbler and buttermilk pie.
lessKillen's Barbecue
Photo: Dave Rossman, Freelance
Pearland's two-year-old Killen's Barbecue has already received credit by prominent magazines and food networks. Top dishes include beef ribs, brisket, house-made beef and pork sausage, pulled
... morePecan Lodge
Sausage and brisket are the Pecan Lodge, located in Dallas. Fans say the meat is served "Texas style," meaning no sauce is required, and it has a smokey taste. The restaurant is family owned, and was named one of the Top 4 BBQ joints in the world by Texas Monthly.
lessPecan Lodge
Photo: Nicholas McWhirter
Sausage and brisket are the Pecan Lodge, located in Dallas. Fans say the meat is served "Texas style," meaning no sauce is required, and it has a smokey taste. The restaurant is family owned, and was
... moreHard 8 BBQ
It's Stephenville location has a fun, friendly atmosphere, with a patio for live music. Hard 8 caters all over the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Other locations are in Coppell and Roanoke.
Hard 8 BBQ
Photo: Facebook Screenshots
It's Stephenville location has a fun, friendly atmosphere, with a patio for live music. Hard 8 caters all over the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Other locations are in Coppell and Roanoke.
Riscky's Barbeque
The family owned Riscky’s Grocery & Market has been open since 1927, near the Fort Worth Stockyards. Today, the Riscky family operates six barbecue restaurants, a steakhouse, a burger joint and full-service catering.
lessRiscky's Barbeque
Photo: Facebook Screenshots
The family owned Riscky’s Grocery & Market has been open since 1927, near the Fort Worth Stockyards. Today, the Riscky family operates six barbecue restaurants, a steakhouse, a burger
... moreLouie Mueller Barbecue
This Central Texas barbecue joint has been in operation since 1949 in Taylor. It has since been in films titled, "The Masters of Texas Barbecue," "Barbecue: A Texas Love Story," "The Rookie" and "Flesh and Bones."
lessLouie Mueller Barbecue
Photo: J.C. Reid
This Central Texas barbecue joint has been in operation since 1949 in Taylor. It has since been in films titled, "The Masters of Texas Barbecue," "Barbecue: A Texas Love Story," "The
... moreCountry Tavern Bar-B-Que
This East Texas eatery has been in operation since 1939. It is known for its tender ribs and barbecue sauce.
Country Tavern Bar-B-Que
Photo: Twitter Screenshots
This East Texas eatery has been in operation since 1939. It is known for its tender ribs and barbecue sauce.
City Meat Market
Gidding's own City Meat Market has been around since the 1960s. The restaurant is well-known locally in the small town, but was recognized by Texas Monthly magazine.
City Meat Market
Photo: Miles Willis, Getty Images
Gidding's own City Meat Market has been around since the 1960s. The restaurant is well-known locally in the small town, but was recognized by Texas Monthly magazine.
Opie's BBQ
Opie's is located in the Hill Country's Spicewood, near the Colorado River. Popular menu items include the tater tot casserole and spicy cream corn, and it is seen as a "carnivore's dream."
Opie's BBQ
Photo: Twitter Screenshots
Opie's is located in the Hill Country's Spicewood, near the Colorado River. Popular menu items include the tater tot casserole and spicy cream corn, and it is seen as a "carnivore's dream."
New Zion Missionary Baptist Church BBQ
Reviewers have called eating at this restaurant "unique," as it is apart of a church, but tasty nonetheless. Church BBQ is located in Huntsville, and is known for its $12 meat platters.
lessNew Zion Missionary Baptist Church BBQ
Photo: Michael Stravato, Associated Press
Reviewers have called eating at this restaurant "unique," as it is apart of a church, but tasty nonetheless. Church BBQ is located in Huntsville, and is known for its $12
... moreChisholm Trail
Another Lockhart restaurant offers sausage, brisket, ribs, turkey chicken, fajitas and even catfish. It has even made the Texas Monthly list of Texas' best barbecue restaurants.
Chisholm Trail
Photo: Google Maps
Another Lockhart restaurant offers sausage, brisket, ribs, turkey chicken, fajitas and even catfish. It has even made the Texas Monthly list of Texas' best barbecue restaurants.
Cooper's
Located in the Hill Country, Cooper's has made several headlines with its visits from presidents to tender brisket. Other Cooper's locations include the Forth Worth Stockyards, New Braunfels and Austin.
lessCooper's
Photo: Getty Images
Located in the Hill Country, Cooper's has made several headlines with its visits from presidents to tender brisket. Other Cooper's locations include the Forth Worth Stockyards, New Braunfels and
... moreRobinson’s BBQ
Located in Fort Worth, Robinson's is seen as a "hole in the wall" with Kansas-style barbecue. The most raved about menu items include the bolo sandwich and ribs.
Robinson’s BBQ
Photo: Google Maps
Located in Fort Worth, Robinson's is seen as a "hole in the wall" with Kansas-style barbecue. The most raved about menu items include the bolo sandwich and ribs.
Cyclists and motorists who make it deep into the Mission Trail will soon be able to pull over for some fresh barbecue.
Dignowity Meats owner Andrew Samia, who made a name for himself selling gourmet sandwiches featuring ingredients such as pulled pork and brisket burnt ends, told the Express-News on Tuesday that he signed a lease at 2011 Mission Road and intends to create a full-blown Texas barbecue operation.
He hasn’t quite settled on a name yet, but hinted that it may tie into the location, which sits between Mission Concepción and Mission San Jose on the South Side. If the renovations go as planned, he hopes to be open for business by May 1.
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“The idea is to go back in time and create an environment that’s similar to the type of barbecue your grandfather may have enjoyed,” Samia said. “We definitely aren’t looking to create another version of Dignowity, so only a couple menu items will carry over.”
The menu will stick to the Texas classics: brisket, ribs, house-made sausage, pulled pork and smoked chicken leg quarters. Sides will focus on homemade pickles, borracho beans and Spanish rice with fresh tortillas. And Samia added that he will keep price points “reasonable to the area.”
Old signage indicated that the space used to be named the South Grill, a restaurant that focused on barbecue and Tex-Mex food. A bonus to Samia — the 30-foot pit that was used remains inside the dormant property.
“It hasn’t seen much action in a number of years,” he said. “But it does have plenty of parking, room for inside dining and enough space to really develop the outside portions of it with seating and a playground area. There’s good bones there.”
Samia said Dignowity Meats, which has been a staple at 1701 E. Houston since 2014, is fully staffed with personnel who know how to efficiently run the restaurant and small bar from open to close. He plans to handle pitmaster duties at the new operation when the doors open.
“Opening up a new property from the ashes is the part of this business that is fun for me,” Samia said. “I’m excited to get going and create a vision.”
cblount@express-news.net | @chuck_blount