Austin-area, August 3, 2025 — Smokey Mo’s BBQ, the beloved family-owned barbecue chain founded in Cedar Park by Morris and Lisa Melchor, celebrated its 25th anniversary this week. What began in 2000 as a single neighborhood BBQ joint has grown into nearly 22 locations across Texas, from Austin and San Antonio to Conroe and Hutto, thanks to community-centered service, quality slow‑smoked meat offerings, and deep-rooted local engagement .
President Craig Haley, who has led the brand since 2021, attributes Smokey Mo’s success to maintaining consistent food standards and embedding each location in its local community. Over the past four years, the chain has expanded from 16 to 21 locations, driven by strong unit economics and goodwill cultivated through high–school partnerships, local events, and charitable initiatives .
To commemorate its anniversary and capitalize on growth momentum, Smokey Mo’s has signed a lease for its 22nd location in Bastrop, Texas, set to open by November 2025 in the Burleson Crossing shopping center. The new restaurant will bring 25–30 jobs to the area and serve as a corporate‑owned prototype emphasizing fast, friendly service, digital ordering, and optimized flow .
Smokey Mo’s is also embarking on a broader expansion into Central and East Texas, with the fastest growth slated for San Antonio. The chain plans to add 15 to 20 new locations there over several years, targeting neighborhoods such as Helotes, Shavano Park, Live Oak, and downtown. Each unit typically spans 2,300 to 2,800 square feet and employs around 15 to 30 team members .
Despite increasing competition from established brands like Bill Miller Bar‑B‑Q, Rudy’s, and True Texas BBQ, Smokey Mo’s remains confident in its neighborhood BBQ identity. Haley emphasizes that each location aims to feel locally rooted, with a familiar local general manager and ties to nearby schools, businesses, and events.
To celebrate the milestone, Smokey Mo’s hosted a special anniversary event in late July that included $5 sandwiches, $2 fountain drinks, giveaways, and community festivities at the original Cedar Park location . The deal-driven celebration was part of a broader marketing push to reinforce loyalty among rewards members and local fans across Texas.
While the brand is scaling rapidly, it remains committed to preserving its small-box, neighborhood-focused ethos. New restaurant designs feature glossy stained wood, white tile interiors, open kitchens visible to customers, patios, and drive-thru options where appropriate. These elements combine a modernized look with the warmth and authenticity that established Smokey Mo’s as a local favorite .
Looking ahead, Smokey Mo’s sees growth opportunities not only across more Texas cities like Houston and Corpus Christi, but potentially beyond state lines if the right franchise partners come along. For now, the brand’s immediate vision centers on expanding its footprint within Central and East Texas while staying true to its foundational values of quality barbecue, friendly service, and community presence.
In summary, Smokey Mo’s BBQ’s 25th anniversary is more than a milestone — it marks a strategic inflection point. With its Bastrop lease signed, year-round expansion plans underway, and a foundational commitment to local authenticity, the brand is poised to redefine what it means to be neighborhood BBQ in a modern, scalable format.
