A traditional Texas BBQ diner is now available in Kilmarnock from the new food truck Little Texas BBQ.
Specialising in slow, smoked meats, the new business that opened less than two months ago serves up tender beef and pork in homemade pretzel buns, a selection of burgers and sides.
The owner, Barry Minor, 46, was planning to open his new venture for 10 months ago and wasn't expecting such a crowd on the first day at Lakeside Landscapes on the town's Western Road.
He said: "The opening went better than we expected. We were non stop for four hours, the queue was never short of 10 deep.
"Our food seems to have gone down a storm in Kilmarnock. We have regular customers and a 5 star rating on our social media. We're also being asked to attend various Gala Days, events in Darvel and a festival in Wigan."
Barry was in Texas 15 years ago, where he had spend half a year working out there as a rotor blade engineer on the wind farms. While working he met friend Darell Holt who inspired Barry for his venture and introduced him to the fine art of traditional Texas BBQ.
Barry said: "We spent many nights smoking meat and drinking beer at his deer lease and from there, the passion grew. On my return home from Texas, I asked my dad to build me my first smoker.
"I decided to make the leap and follow my passion last year whilst on holiday. I have been a rotor blade engineer for 17 years and was managing a large scale offshore project with around 40 staff. It was challenging to say the least.
"My wife, Mhairi, said to me whilst on holiday, where I was still providing engineering support: 'Why don’t you slow down and start your BBQ business'. So that was it, I packed it all in and here we are."
Barry added: "Now we have a pretty small team. My wife, who is a trained fine dining chef, makes all our sauces, including BBQ, fermented hot sauces and ranch. Also my friend Gavin Lindsay helps out when he can as well. He has also a passion for food. He has tried our full menu and is our biggest critic."
Little Texas BBQ has a regular weekend spot at Lakeside Landscapes in Kilmarnock but as the team has many event bookings now, they are not always on the pitch.
This Sunday, May 28, the team will be serving their Texas Style BBQ at the Taste of Ayrshire, food and drink festival. The event is on from 11am until 4pm. The venue is the newly restored Dean Castle in Kilmarnock.
Barry said: "This is sure to be a fantastic day, so pop on by and say Howdy to the Little Texas crew. We will have our mouth watering low and slow smoked meats, smash burgers, filthy fries, accompanied by our sides and sauces. All handmade. Ayrshire Food an a' That have been working hard for this one."
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