Royals Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Enjoy Texas BBQ Date — and Reveal the Disney Movie on Repeat at Their House (Exclusive) "They let us know that she wanted to come by, but did not know Harry was coming," la Barbecue Director of Operations Cory Rivademar tells PEOPLE exclusively By Ingrid Vasquez Ingrid Vasquez Ingrid Vasquez is a Digital News Writer at PEOPLE. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor in Journalism. Before joining the team, she worked as an Editor at FanSided and provided work in the celebrity and lifestyle space for brands that include Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan, EW, and more. People Editorial Guidelines and Kristen O'Brien Kristen O'Brien Kristen O'Brien is a writer-reporter for PEOPLE. She has been writing entertainment, celebrity and human interest stories since 2015. People Editorial Guidelines Published on March 8, 2024 10:28PM EST Close Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose with Allison "Ali" Clem, la Barbecue owner/operator. Photo: Cory Rivademar/@coryriv/@labarbecue Prince Harry and Meghan Markle couldn't take a trip to Austin, Texas, without trying some barbecue! The couple visited the city for the SXSW Conference, where Meghan was a panelist with Brooke Shields, Katie Couric, author/sociologist Nancy Wang Yuen and moderator Errin Haines. Prince Harry sat in the crowd as the women participated in an International Women's Day panel called "Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen." Following the event, the couple visited la Barbecue. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle speak with Allison "Ali" Clem. Cory Rivademar/@coryriv/@labarbecue Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Step Out for Dinner in Austin at Spot Linked to Their First Date (Exclusive) "Their visit was a scheduled thing. They let us know that she wanted to come by, but did not know Harry was coming," Director of Operations Cory Rivademar exclusively tells PEOPLE. "They came in, and they toured the pits with Frankie, who is the pit guy, and talked about how hot it was around the pits, which is funny because this is Texas, and actually, it can be much hotter than today." Rivademar says that they ordered brisket and sausages and were "absolutely lovely" as they took pictures with staff and other patrons since the restaurant remained open to the public. Meghan Markle Says Online 'Bullying' Peaked While Pregnant with Archie and Lili: 'It's Not Catty, It's Cruel' Rivademar says that after the couple left, she received a text from Meghan's representatives saying that it was the best BBQ they'd ever had. "I thought they seemed happy and sweet, he's very lovely. She spoke about their kid loving the new Disney movie, Wish. Very genuine and very loving. Happy couple. Nice to people who didn't even know what was going on," says Rivademar. At Friday's panel, Meghan spoke candidly about the support she has received from her "incredible partner." Prince Harry and Meghan Markle take a tour of la Barbecue. Cory Rivademar/@coryriv/@labarbecue Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! "I'm fortunate in that, among the privileges I have in my life, I have an incredible partner," Meghan said. "My husband is such a hands-on dad and such a supporter of me and my family. That I don't take for granted. That is a real blessing," she said, noting that he is “such a supporter of me and my family."