While most Americans were preparing to celebrate independence with fireworks and barbecues on July 4th, Kerrville and the surrounding areas faced horrific floods that took hundreds of lives, devastated homes, uprooted families, and left scars that will take years to heal. But in the middle of the chaos, a beautiful truth emerged: Hill Country restaurants showed up—not with press releases or promises, but with pots, pans, and plates. They opened their doors, their kitchens, and most importantly, their hearts.
No story of Hill Country’s generosity would be complete without mentioning these incredible restaurants. As responders worked and families assessed the damage, these business owners hauled food and water, wrapped them up with sides, and delivered them where they were needed most. The meals brought comfort and connection to exhausted people.
Join us as we celebrate these local kitchens and the people who power them. Their generosity wasn’t just about food—it was about community and hope. It was about all of us.
Compadres Hill Country Cocina
facebook.com/compadreshillcountrycocina | 209 Lohmann St.
As Chef Mark Sierra recalls, “When the floods came, I didn’t see race, color, or creed; I saw people hurting and hungry who had nothing. Having served in a combat zone, it’s in me to step up when others are hurting.” Mark’s family, his employees, and Purple Heart recipients volunteered to hand out food and pass out a cold bottle of water or an energy drink, simply because it was the right thing to do. “If by doing that I inspired even one more person to help, then that’s all that mattered!”
Flavor of Home
flavorofhomemealprepandcatering.com
Crystal Thompson, owner of Flavor of Home Meal Prep and Catering, has gone above and beyond in the wake of the Hill Country floods. With incredible generosity, she is preparing fresh to-go meals for the dedicated volunteers working tirelessly in the recovery efforts. She’s even making every single tortilla from scratch. Each day, these handmade wraps, along with sides, snacks, and drinks, are delivered to the Texas EquuSearch Team, an organization she deeply admires for its tireless and selfless search efforts. While these meals are given freely to the volunteers, the cost of ingredients comes directly from Crystal and community donations. Every dollar she raises goes straight into the mission of feeding those on the frontlines, a true act of love and service to a community in need.
Black Board Bar BQ
blackboardbarbq.com | 1123 Sisterdale Rd., Sisterdale
Reflecting on the work their team did, husband-and-wife owners Joe Rodriguez and Melissa Garza said, “We didn’t fully grasp the scope of what was unfolding. We prepared to feed anyone who came through our doors—displaced, hungry, looking for comfort. No one came. The reality set in: families were facing unimaginable loss. The entire Hill Country was hurting. Black Board Bar BQ did the only thing we knew how to do—started taking food to people. With the help of our incredible team, loyal guests, and generous donors, we prepared and delivered hundreds of meals. Friends, family, and staff all stepped up to help. It was humbling and beautiful.”
Joshua Creek Ranch
joshuacreek.com | 132 Cravey Rd.
The long-time Hill Country icon opened its doors and provided free meals to first responders and families who had been displaced, making sure no one faced the struggle on an empty stomach. Beyond the meals, they turned their passion for hospitality into action, hosting special events like “Steak Night” and a “Fun Shoot,” where proceeds went directly to flood relief and recovery. The ranch also became a hub for hope, collecting donations of food and essential supplies from neighbors across the community. In every way, Joshua Creek Ranch embodied the heart of the Hill Country, standing shoulder to shoulder with those in need and reminding us all of the power of compassion in times of crisis.
Shelby's Dae-ly Meals
shelbys-dae-ly-meals.square.site
Shelby Hayward quickly became a beacon of hope. She and her team served thousands of hot meals with the help of volunteers, ensuring flood victims, first responders, military personnel, and volunteers were cared for with not only food but also snack bags, supply kits, water, and Gatorade. Their work continues even as many volunteers have gone home, fueled by donations that make it possible to purchase supplies, aid in rebuilding, and continue to support those still struggling. With deep gratitude for the community’s support, owner Hayward says, “Our mission is not yet finished, and every contribution—whether through time or prayers—continues to help the ongoing recovery and honors the resilience of the Hill Country spirit.”
Recovery is never easy. For some families, rebuilding will take months. For others, the losses will be felt for years. But the flood also revealed something unshakable: The Hill Country’s strength isn’t just in its infrastructure, it’s in its people.
In the end, these Hill Country restaurants displayed resilience, generosity, and the healing power of “serving others”. As Kevin Welborn of Joshua Creek Ranch put it: “We feed people. That’s what we do. And in times like this, feeding people is about more than food—it’s about reminding them they belong, they’re cared for, and they’re not walking through this alone.”
“When the floods came, I didn’t see race, color, or creed; I saw people hurting and hungry who had nothing.” —Mark Sierra, Compadres Hill Country Cocina
“The entire Hill Country was hurting. Black Board BBQ did the only thing we knew how to do—started taking food to people.” —Joe Rodriguez & Melissa Garza, Black Board Bar BQ
“Our mission is not yet finished, and every contribution—whether through time or prayers—continues to help the ongoing recovery and honors the resilience of the Hill Country spirit.” —Shelby Hayward, Shelby's Dae-ly Meals
“In times like this, feeding people is about more than food—it’s about reminding them they belong, they’re cared for, and they’re not walking through this alone.” —Kevin Welborn, Joshua Creek Ranch