Brett’s BBQ Shop — Katy’s 'Cheers of BBQ' — to Close After Seven Years of Smoke, Heart and Community
In a deeply personal announcement, the team behind Brett's BBQ Shop said they will close their doors for good on December 28, 2025, ending a chapter that began in late 2018 with humble ambitions — and grew into something far bigger, far more meaningful.
They described the decision as gut‑wrenching but necessary. Despite fighting to survive after the pandemic, rising costs for food, labor, and rent, and shrinking foot traffic left them with no choice: “We poured our blood, sweat, and tears into the last 7 years... but we will not compromise our standards.”
This doesn’t feel like just a restaurant closing — it feels like the community losing a piece of its heart. Brett’s was more than a place to grab brisket; it was a gathering spot for friends, families, newcomers, BBQ lovers, and longtime Katy locals.
What Made Brett’s Stand Out — Beyond the Standard Plate
Brett’s wasn’t your average BBQ joint. From the very beginning, owners Brett Jackson (pitmaster) and Jacqueline Herrera (general manager and partner) committed to bringing true Central Texas‑style barbecue to Katy.
They cooked on a legendary 40-year-old offset barrel smoker known as “The Beast”, smoking meats low and slow — a technique rooted in Central Texas BBQ tradition, where simple seasoning and post‑oak or similar woods let the meat speak for itself.
Their menu offered an impressive range: juicy brisket (lean or moist), sausages made in-house, pork & beef ribs, smoked turkey, and creative specials such as brisket enchiladas, brisket nachos, and even Tex‑Mex‑inspired items — expanding the definition of “barbecue night."
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Sides and accompaniments — from mac and cheese to pinto beans, potato salad, pickles and slaw — completed the meals, making it a full‑fledged, comforting BBQ experience. Many regulars said they came as much for the friendly vibe as for the food.
The atmosphere was welcoming: a comfortable dining room, patio, and bar that turned into a gathering space where families, longtime patrons, and new visitors could share meals, stories and laughter.
In short — Brett’s wasn’t just slinging smoked meat. It offered a taste of tradition, warmth, and community.
Why the Closure Now — When Success Met Unforgiving Circumstances
Brett’s had earned its respect: in 2021, it was named one of Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints. In subsequent years, it remained a regular on Houston Chronicle’s Top 100 Restaurants list.
Yet acclaim wasn’t enough to shield it from the harsh economics of the post‑pandemic era. Owners cited “more than a year of severe economic pressure,” noting rising food and labor costs, high rent, and dwindling customer traffic. Even new efforts to adapt — such as launching a Sunday brunch menu earlier this year — weren’t enough to offset mounting expenses.
They stressed their decision was made to avoid compromising on quality or burdening their staff, some as young as 15, with the emotional weight of the closure. The decision was as much about integrity as it was about survival.
What’s Next — A Final Send‑Off and a Flicker of Hope
Although the brick‑and‑mortar will shut down, Brett and Jacqueline aren’t ruling everything out. They plan to continue limited catering services and aim to participate in the upcoming season of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest.
But before they say goodbye, they want to go out with style. The team plans a “final shindig” — a blow‑the‑doors‑off New Year’s Eve celebration. Details are expected to be announced December 12 via their Facebook page. It’s their way of thanking the community for seven years of support, smoke‑filled rooms, and countless shared meals.
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For fans wanting one last bite — or simply to offer a hug and a thank you — their final regular day of service is Sunday, December 28, 2025, with hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
What Brett’s Legacy Means for Katy, Houston — and Texas BBQ Community
The closure of Brett’s BBQ Shop is more than the end of a restaurant. It underscores how even beloved local institutions — ones that win awards, draw loyal customers, and shape community culture — are vulnerable in uncertain economic times. For many in Katy and the wider Houston area, Brett’s was proof that quality barbecue, genuine hospitality, and grassroots passion still had a place in a modern and often‑turbulent restaurant industry.
Their story captures the core of Central Texas–style barbecue: unhurried smoke, simple seasoning, and a focus on quality that brings people together.
As the final plates get served, and “The Beast” finally cools at Brett’s, one hopes this isn’t the end of the road — only a pause. Perhaps their smoke will rise again someday, in another kitchen, at another table, bringing people back together under the banner of good food and shared memories.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
