52 Years of Smoke: Why Brisket Rules National BBQ Month

Written by

The King of the Pit.

In Texas, every month is a celebration of fire, flavor, and family—but in May, we make it official. National Bar-B-Que Month is a tribute to the time-honored traditions and old family recipes that have defined Soulman’s for over five decades.

This year, we are “picture proud” to celebrate a milestone that hits close to home: the Rockwall I-30 location’s 25th Anniversary. It’s a beautiful reminder of how far we’ve come since 1974, when our founder, Don Hallett, was busy running his carpet shop. His friend—who knew a thing or two about ribs—finally convinced Don to trade in the carpet business for the barbecue business. We’ve stayed true to those “low and slow” techniques ever since, and while our menu is full of slow-smoked favorites, there is one undisputed star of the Texas table: The Brisket.

The Craft of the Cut: Low, Slow, and Authentic

True Texas barbecue is a rite of passage. It’s about the patience to cook over a slow-burning fire and the grit to get the recipe right every single time.

  • The Green Hickory Method: Our pits run 24/7, using real green hickory smoke to develop that deep, unmistakable flavor and the distinct pink smoke ring that is the hallmark of a job done right.
  • Hand-Cut Integrity: We don’t believe in “cookie-cutter” portions or machines. Every slice of brisket is hand-cut to order by our crew right in front of you. Whether you like it lean or moist, you’re getting a “Not Stingy” portion of Texas history on every plate.

Memorial Day, Bar-B-Que and Lake Life

As the weather warms up and Memorial Day weekend approaches, we know many of y’all are heading for the water. Whether you’re hitting the lake or heading out of town for a long weekend, we’ve made it easier than ever to fuel your adventures:

  • Trailer-Friendly Tradition: We know you’re likely hauling a boat or a jet ski. Several of our locations near the lakes offer spacious, trailer-friendly parking, so you can swing by with the boat in tow and stock the cooler without the stress of a tight parking lot.
  • The App Advantage: For your holiday family meals and daily fuel, use the Soulman’s App to skip the line. It’s the fastest way to get your feast from our pits to your tailgate or boat deck.
  • Big Crew? We’ve Got You Covered: When the whole crew’s headed to the lake or having a Memorial Day gathering, don’t mess with multiple stops. Our catering makes it easy to load up on Texas-sized favorites for everyone. Place your order online or call our catering team at (972) 635-2224, and we’ll have it hot, ready, and packed for the road.

A Heritage of Flavor

As we wrap up the month, don’t miss the big finale on May 20th. It’s the final call for the Boss Hog sandwich on the app, and it’s also our annual Memer’s Pie Day. We’ll be honoring our founder’s mother by giving away a free slice of her signature buttermilk pie to the first 101 customers at every store.

Come see us, grab a slice of brisket, and taste the 52-year legacy that makes us Soulman’s. Stay blessed and come back soon!