Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Melig.
Joe, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My introduction to BBQ began at a young age with my dad, who would cook for church and family gatherings. These moments were more than just meals; they were opportunities to bring family and friends together. That sense of connection and joy is what I truly fell in love with—sharing delicious food and laughter with the people who mean the most to me.
Fast forward to 2015, my high school best friend and pit-master, Esaul Ramos Jr., and I decided to take a leap of faith and open 2M Smokehouse in San Antonio. At the time, I had no experience in the restaurant industry, but I knew I was doing what I loved: creating meals for others and fostering a sense of community. It was a challenging journey, but the lessons learned and the friendships built along the way made it all worthwhile.
In 2023, we embarked on a new venture and opened Blu Lacy Smokehouse in Castroville, Texas, thanks to a group of local investors who believed in us. While the concept thrived for over a year, managing two locations brought its share of challenges and by the end of 2024, we decided to part ways professionally to focus on our individual paths.
On February 3, 2025, my wife Selah and our dedicated team joined me as we re-branded, embarking upon our new concept, Castroville Barbecue Company together. This new chapter is a testament to our passion, hard work, and commitment to sharing great barbecue, and the memories that are created along the way, with our community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The restaurant industry is undoubtedly a challenging yet rewarding field. It’s a path filled with significant highs and lows. From managing employee retention and controlling the cost of goods to maintaining morale, the obstacles can be daunting. However, we approach these challenges with determination—one step at a time, one day at a time.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Castroville Barbecue Company?
We are a small, locally owned business rooted in our community. Our mission is to serve exceptional food while fostering a welcoming environment for all our guests.
We specialize in traditional Texas-style barbecue and are known for BBQ favorites like brisket, pork ribs, and sausage. In addition to these classics, we offer a fun and creative feature menu that includes smoked wings, pulled pork nachos, brisket Philly cheese-steak, and smash burgers.
Barbecue in Texas is more than just food—it’s a way of life. While many pit-masters deliver quality and passion, what truly sets us apart is our attitude. Our team’s positive mindset keeps the wheels turning, even well past operating hours. Our unwavering attitude ensures we deliver the best experience possible to our customers.
We are honored to represent our community. Carrying the name of our beloved town, Castroville, within our brand is a privilege we hold dear. It’s even more meaningful to operate from a historic building that dates back to the 1920’s. Originally known as Dan’s Bar and Meat Market, this location is a cornerstone of our town’s history. We are committed to preserving the spirit of this iconic structure by staying true to its roots—serving barbecue to both locals and visitors alike.
We are a full-service restaurant, offering lunch, dinner, and a bar. Beyond dining in, we provide catering services, delivery options, and are also available on DoorDash for added convenience.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We are always excited to collaborate with other restaurants and explore fun, creative opportunities together. Additionally, we host market days on our patio, providing a platform for small businesses and local vendors to showcase their products. If you’d like to connect, feel free to reach out to us via Instagram @castrovillebbqcompnay or email us at [email protected].
Your support means the world to us! Dropping by for lunch or dinner is always appreciated, but even sharing our story, a picture, or spreading the word on social media can make a huge difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.castrovillebarbecuecompany.com
- Instagram: @castrovillebbqcompnay
- Facebook: Castroville BBQ Co.
