When a family-owned business thrives in the competitive world of Texas BBQ, they are onto something. Tender Smokehouse BBQ, a beloved staple in North Texas, is gearing up to open its fifth location, and the owners’ journey is a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality, community and faith.
Founded on the principles of hard work, dedication and a deep sense of purpose, Tender Smokehouse attributes its success to four key elements, says owners Katrina Hunter and Audrea Weimer:
God’s favor:
The owners of Tender Smokehouse humbly recognize the blessings they’ve received along the way, crediting their success to divine favor and guidance.
Dedicated Employees:
Behind every great BBQ joint is a team of passionate individuals who take pride in their craft. At Tender Smokehouse, the employees are more than just workers—they're family. Their dedication shines through in every dish served.
Loyal Customers:
Tender Smokehouse has built a loyal customer base that spans multiple towns in North Texas. It is this community support that fuels their growth and inspires them to keep pushing forward. The customers aren’t just patrons—they're a part of the Tender family.
Fresh, Consistent, Scratch-Made Food and Exceptional Service:
What keeps customers coming back time and again is the high quality of the food and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. At Tender, everything is made from scratch, ensuring freshness in every bite. Combined with exceptional service, it's no wonder they're expanding.
Tender Smokehouse is locally and family-owned, offering hand-crafted BBQ and sides that are true to the Lonestar State. Their Texas roots run deep and they strive to source locally as much as possible. The heart of Tender rings true throughout all their locations, with each having its unique personality but maintaining consistent food and service.
Currently, Tender Smokehouse has locations in Celina, Frisco, Aubrey and Little Elm with its fifth location opening soon in Whitesboro.
For those who are first-timers, the Tender team highly recommends their signature sandwich, the “Grand Slam.” This mouth-watering creation is loaded with slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, sausage and is topped with a hearty scoop of their legendary barbeque beans, all nestled between buttery, crisp Texas toast and crowned with a “fall-off-the-bone” pork rib. It’s a true taste of Texas barbeque at its finest.
Tender Smokehouse is more than just a restaurant; the owners are dedicated to the communities they serve, giving back to the towns and patrons that has supported them from the beginning. The restaurant proudly partners with local organizations, participates in community events and contributes to causes that make a difference.
“Whether it’s through hosting fundraisers, sponsoring schools or donating meals to those in need, we’re committed to being more than just a restaurant–we’re here to help our community thrive,” Katrina and Audrea said.
While Tender Smokehouse has become a wildly popular staple in its communities, the owners remain cautious about franchising. Their commitment to maintaining consistent quality and service is paramount. As they prepare to open their Whitesboro location and explore future expansions in North Texas, their focus remains on preserving the essence of what makes Tender Smokehouse special.
In a world where success can often lead to compromise, Tender Smokehouse stands out as a beacon of integrity, passion, and community spirit. The atmosphere at Tender is warm and inviting, the perfect setting for enjoying some great Texas barbeque.
The food is tender, flavorful, and perfectly smoky while the staff is friendly, attentive and clearly passionate about the food they serve. Whether someone is a meat connoisseur or a person who appreciates delicious food, Tender Smokehouse is a must-visit gem in North Texas.
"We’re committed to being more than just a restaurant."