Houston BBQ mostly spared wrath of floods

Torrential rains fell in Houston late Sunday through Monday April 18^th. The rains initially impacted many common flood prone areas but the northwest areas and nearby communities bore the brunt of the storm with a record reported 20” in some locations. Two creeks on the north side of town exploded beyond their banks; Spring Creek and Cypress Creek. As water drained from further north these creeks continued to rise well after the rains had stopped and have expected to crest on Wednesday the 20^th. Many residents and businesses along these creeks were flooded, and rescue operations continue through the 20^th.

Luckily for Houston barbecue, most of the businesses were spared significant damage or downtime. Downtown, midtown, and many locations received heavy rainfall but not a flooding event.

Corkscrew BBQ lost power when a tree fell on nearby power lines, and with that lost their food inventory. They are planning to be back open for business on Friday April 22^nd.

UPDATE:
Lost all our inventory, we had back up, Centerpoint said it’d be on by 2 yesterday, then I got a text it… https://t.co/ojw7uQlTKL

— CorkScrew BBQ (@CorkscrewBBQ) April 19, 2016

Barbecue joints that were normally closed on Mondays and/or Tuesdays saw little to no impact other than potentially slower business.

Ray’s Real Pit BBQ Shack, located near highway 288 which is flood prone although the business is on higher ground, closed on Monday the 18^th as well as Roegels Barbecue Co.. Both were back open on Tuesday with Ray’s hosting shorter hours.

We will be closed today. The safety of our employees comes first. Stay safe out there if you are on the roads.

— Roegels Barbecue Co. (@ThePigOnVoss) April 18, 2016

Bernie’s Backyard, host to BBQ Godfather, was closed on Tuesday but expected to be open on Wednesday the 20^th.

Spring Creek Barbecue (named for the one in Dallas and not the one in Houston) had locations back open for business by noon on Monday.

Brooks’ Place remains open although located in between flooding areas.

I have received no other news of other major Houston joints impacted by flooding or power loss.

The rains did affect local barbecue consumers with lower than anticipated sales volumes based on discussions with several businesses.

Across the state the poor weather has seemed to affect consumer traffic, even Franklin BBQ tweeted that they had brisket left at 2:30pm in Tuesday the 19th

Old school regulars..If you are close by….we have a good bit of brisket left and a short line. Probably safe to show up in the next 30mins

— Franklin Barbecue (@FranklinBbq) April 19, 2016

Road conditions and staff having difficulties getting into work are the more pressing problems now for several business but the lighter customer traffic is helping although to the detriment of profits.

Relief Assistance and Fundraisers

At least two businesses have spring into action, with Burns Original BBQ going onsite this week and Killen’s Barbecue holding a benefit on Friday the 22^nd.

Burns Original BBQ donated 100 barbecue sandwiches on Tuesday the 19th to the residents of Arbor Court Apartments, located in north Houston near Cypress Creek, and another 400 on the 20^th at the M.O. Campbell center.

Yesterday Burns Original BBQ, Bosslife Slim Thug & Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee donated hot meals (100… https://t.co/z1hyAeDjYo

— Burns Original BBQ (@BurnsOriginalBB) April 20, 2016

Now serving 400 Chopped beef sandwiches for lunch at the M.O Campbell center. 1865 Aldine Bender Rd. 77032 https://t.co/dqaXetHdGD

— Burns Original BBQ (@BurnsOriginalBB) April 20, 2016

Killen’s Barbecue is hosting a fundraiser for the American Red Cross

Come out to @KillensBBQ on Friday for our fundraiser to help #HoustonFlood victims! We have AWESOME raffle prizes! pic.twitter.com/7wU1MHKWlR

— DK / Daena Kramer (@justkramer) April 20, 2016

If you and the roads are safe, this week would be a great time to support Houston barbecue.

-BBQ Bryan