Have Mercy BBQ Welcomes Matt Keyser as Executive Chef, Igniting Big Flavor and Bold Growth in Cypress
In a smoky corner of Grant Road, a local barbecue dream just got a little bigger.
Have Mercy BBQ, the Cypress-based food trailer that’s built a cult following with its slow-smoked brisket and Southern charm, is turning up the heat this summer with the appointment of Matt Keyser as executive chef.
Located in the parking lot of Country Corner Ice House at Grant Road and Cypress Rose Hill Road, Have Mercy BBQ has always been a labor of love for Cypress locals David and Jennifer O’Brian. With community roots and a commitment to no-shortcut Texas barbecue, the trailer has become a destination for Northwest Houston barbecue lovers since first opening in February 2023.
Now, with the hire of Keyser — a seasoned pitmaster and longtime friend — the O’Brians are signaling a new chapter of culinary creativity and growth.
“Matt is the real deal,” said David O’Brian. “He’s got the skill, creativity, and the fire to push our food forward while keeping everything our customers already love. This is a big step — and we’re just getting started.”
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A BBQ Bond Forged in Fire
Keyser, 36, isn’t just joining the team — he’s returning to it. In the early days of Have Mercy BBQ, Keyser pitched in at the trailer alongside O’Brian, both determined to build something meaningful in the Texas barbecue world.
“Years ago, David and I made a pact that we would do whatever it took to help each other succeed in the barbecue world,” said Keyser. “The guy hustles harder than anyone I know, and what he’s built here is special. I’m proud to jump in and help it grow.”
Keyser brings deep experience and artistry to the table, having previously helmed the pits and sausage program at Bourbon Brothers BBQ in Magnolia, where his inventive takes on classic barbecue earned acclaim. At Have Mercy, he’ll lead an expanded menu that includes new hand-crafted sides, desserts, and an innovative sausage of the month program — all while preserving the soul of the smokehouse that locals have come to crave.
“We’ve got some big flavors and fun ideas on deck,” O’Brian added. “But at the end of the day, we’re all about putting soul into each dish and making people feel welcome.”
David O’Brian (right) and Matt Keyser (left) made a pact years ago to help each other succeed in the From Backyard Dreams to a Community Staple
David O’Brian’s path to barbecue success wasn’t paved in commercial kitchens — it was sparked by backyard requests during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a few plates for neighbors quickly evolved into a full-fledged food trailer and a Cypress culinary landmark.
Since 2019, the O’Brians have poured heart and hustle into their craft, serving smoked brisket, pulled pork, pork belly, ribs, wings, and sandwiches layered with juicy, smoky flavor. Crowd favorites like brisket dirty rice and loaded fries round out the menu, while catering services offer a taste of the trailer for weddings, parties, and community events.
The business has grown alongside its loyal customer base, boasting 7,300 followers on Facebook, 5,400 on Instagram, and a near-perfect 4.9 Google rating. But for David, the journey is far from over.
“To own and operate a brick and mortar BBQ restaurant where people come to eat and enjoy the fellowship of our community is the ultimate goal for Have Mercy BBQ,” he said.
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Next Chapter Begins June 16
Matt Keyser officially joins the team on Monday, June 16. He and his wife live in The Woodlands with their daughters, bringing not just culinary talent, but a shared love for local community and good food.
As Have Mercy BBQ looks toward future growth — with whispers of a brick-and-mortar restaurant on the horizon — one thing remains certain: the smoky heart of Texas barbecue is alive and well in Cypress.
Have Mercy BBQ is open at 17943 Grant Road, Cypress, TX 77429. For updates, specials, and catering information, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
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.
