Michigan’s Best Local Eats: West Texas BBQ is on the go with its brisket, turkey and pork

JACKSON, MI – West Texas BBQ is hitting the road with a new food truck.

Hunter and Mallory Sullivan took ownership of the barbecue joint in April. The restaurant has been open since 1991, with original owner Dan Huntoon dying in 2020 and his long-time friend Butch Colvin taking over before the Sullivans’ ownership.

Since they took over, the Sullivans have been hearing nonstop requests to cater events like weddings or graduations. Many of them specifically want West Texas to cater out of a food truck because they are outdoors and easy, Hunter said.

“Unfortunately, we did not have one,” he said. “It just seemed like an opportunity.”

So, the Sullivans have added a food truck to help them expand outside the restaurant’s walls, and bring their food to the community, Hunter said.

The food truck has been running for the last month or so and events it’s been at include a Veterans Day event in Adrian, he said.

The food truck is going to be faster and easier service compared to the brick-n-mortar restaurant. At events, the food truck will feature combo meals of what you could usually find at West Texas, Hunter said.

The brisket, pork, turkey and hot wings will be staples, along with around three different sides to choose from, he said.

“They will be able to get a sandwich or a platter, with a couple of sides and something cold to drink,” Hunter said.

Those interested in having West Texas cater an event can call 517-784-0510 or email catering@westtexasbbq.com.

Even with the addition of the food truck, the brick-and-mortar restaurant is still bringing in lines for platters, sandwiches and combos.

Made in house, and smoked right outside, the Texas smoked brisket is definitely the biggest seller at the restaurant, and its award-winning pork shoulder is something customers can’t pass up, Hunter said.

While looking at the menu, West Texas’ turkey is something people discover, along with chicken wings, Hunter said. On Friday, the prime rib sandwich is something people will travel to eat, he said.

“If you’re a fan of West Texas, Fridays are the day that a lot of our people that seem to come from far away,” he said.

West Texas is also known for its house-made sides. Coleslaw, Mexican street corn dip, potato salad and of course, mac and cheese are popular.

“It’s not just Kraft in a box,” Hunter said of the mac and cheese. “(The staff) puts a lot of time, love and effort into it.”

West Texas is located at 2190 Brooklyn Road. Currently, the restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, although Hunter said extended hours are still in the works.

More information can be found on West Texas BBQ’s Facebook page.

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