Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelly Marquette.
Hi Shelly , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Old 300 BBQ was created to fill a real need in our small Texas Hill Country town, a place for great Texas BBQ served with genuine, welcoming hospitality. From the very beginning, our owners envisioned a family-run restaurant where locals and visitors alike could gather, slow down, and enjoy high-quality food made the right way.
Our name reflects our deep Texas roots and honors the history of Stephen F. Austin’s original 300 settlers. When guests walk through our doors, they are greeted by friendly faces and a wall displaying the names of those settlers, a reminder of the resilience, heritage, and community spirit that guide everything we do.
Over the past 12 years, we have grown thoughtfully and with purpose. What began as a restaurant expanded into catering, private events in our Back Forty Event Hall, and off-site catering throughout the region. We later added twice-monthly live music and community dance nights, always with great food, drinks, and no cover charge, because bringing people together has always been at the heart of who we are.
In 2019, we began shipping our BBQ nationwide through Goldbelly. That decision became especially meaningful during COVID, allowing us to continue serving guests near and far. Through the pandemic, Snowvid, historic floods, ice storms, and other challenges, our community continually showed up to support us.
We would not be where we are today without the loyalty of our guests, the strength of our community, and the dedication of our staff. Giving back locally, supporting schools and community events, and taking care of our team remain central to our mission. We are proud to keep growing while staying true to our roots, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to dine with us, celebrate with us, or enjoy our BBQ wherever they are.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like most family-run businesses, our journey has included its share of challenges. Early on, remodeling a historic building and building the right team came with real growing pains. Those early experiences certainly shaped our commitment to consistency, quality, and teamwork.
Over time, we have continued to refine our menu, service, and processes to ensure that every plate reflects the standard we set for ourselves. Challenges like COVID, Snowvid, historic flooding, and ice storms pushed us to our limits, but they also strengthened us.
Each time, our community rallied behind us, reminding us why we do what we do. Those moments reinforced the importance of resilience, gratitude, and staying focused on taking care of our guests and our staff.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Old 300 BBQ is a special place to be part of, and we take great pride in both our food and our people. Quality is at the center of everything we do. From our high-grade Black Angus brisket to our French-cut turkey, house-recipe sausage prepared fresh in Schulenburg, and our often-overlooked but much-loved pork loin, every item is prepared with care and respect for the craft of BBQ.
We are also known for our rotating specials, including our popular Tuesday burgers on jalapeño cheddar buns and weekend favorites like our monster beef ribs and the best dang Wagyu brisket you ever tasted. Whether guests dine in, cater an event, or order BBQ shipped nationwide, the same pride and attention to detail go into every meal and every box we send out.
I have been with Old 300 BBQ for 10 years, starting as an assistant caterer and growing into my role as Catering Manager. Catering is especially meaningful to me because it allows our team to be part of life’s most important moments, from weddings and birthdays to retirements, community gatherings, and corporate events. I approach every event as if it were my own.
What truly sets us apart is our team. Our staff is hardworking, dedicated, and deeply invested in creating memorable experiences. The greatest compliment we can receive is a repeat customer or a referral, and that trust means everything to us.
How do you define success?
Success to me means consistently great food, happy guests, and experiences that make people feel welcomed and cared for. It means having a team that grows, feels supported, and takes pride in their work. When we can make someone’s day better through a meal or a shared moment, we know we are doing something right!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.old300bbq.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/old300bbqtx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Old300BBQ
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@old300bbq7
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/old-300-bbq-blanco?osq=old+300+bbq&override_cta=Get+pricing+%26+availability
