Editor’s Note: For a special recipe from from Hill Country Chicken’s executive chef, click HERE; for a Hill Country Cherry Pie click HERE; and for Salt ‘n’ Pepper Ribs click HERE!
How did you get into the food industry, and why did you choose to focus on ribs?
I’ve always had a passion for food, restaurants, and hospitality—however, growing up in the suburbs of Washington, DC, the food industry was not an obvious career path for me… My dad is from Lockhart, Texas, which happens to be the official barbecue capital of the state. There is a legendary barbecue joint, Kreuz Market, which was the highlight of any trip to see my grandparents in Lockhart. One day in 2003, I was having a conversation with the owner, who is a close family friend, and the idea to open a Central Texas-style barbecue joint in Manhattan was born.
What’s new with Hill Country Hospitality?
In January 2014, we opened two new locations—a Hill Country Barbecue Market and Hill Country Chicken—side-by-side in Downtown Brooklyn. It’s pretty crazy to think that we’ve brought Texas barbecue and American roots music to the land of Junior’s and the heart of hip-hop. We’re thrilled to be part of Brooklyn’s restaurant scene and are enjoying serving the vibrant and dynamic community downtown.
How can families make the most out of a visit to Hill Country? What other services do you provide?
Hill Country Barbecue Market and Hill Country Chicken are both family- and kid-friendly. Hill Country Barbecue Market is a large, boisterous space that features long communal tables, which are great for families that want to spread out and share food. The dining room has several market counters where guests pick out their food and watch as their barbecue is sliced hot and fresh in front of them—kids especially love the interaction with our pit-masters and counter servers. At Hill Country Chicken, we specialize in fried chicken, fresh cut French fries, and homemade pies. At both restaurants, we do extensive catering and private events—including birthdays, graduations, weddings, and mitzvahs.
Tell us about your family! How many kids do you have, and what are they like?
My wife, Kristen, and I live in an apartment building off of Madison Square Park with our four kids: Austin (7), Skye (5), Jaclyn (3), and Geena (1). They are the loves of my life—each of them is so different and constantly entertaining. Austin, who was born on opening night of our first Hill Country on West 26th Street, loves watching and playing sports. Skye is our little artist who loves to go off in a quiet place and paint or do crafts for hours. Jaclyn is a bit of a ham who, as of late, has been obsessed with singing and acting out every scene from “Frozen.” And Geena is a happy baby who seems content to take it all in.
Do they love coming to the restaurants?
They love going to any of the Hill Country restaurants, which they each refer to as “my restaurant” and where most of our staff knows them by their first names. Their favorite dishes are brisket, mac & cheese, cornbread, and “chicken on the bone” (as they refer to fried chicken).
Do you have any personal rules about balancing work and family time?
It can be a tough balance, but I try hard to shut off work when I can. Kristen and I are sacrosanct about keeping a date night once a week. It’s important for us to have a regular distraction away from work and family, although at some point, the conversation will inevitably drift to work and family. It’s a major team effort. I couldn’t do it without her.
How does being a dad inspire you in your work?
I feel like each restaurant is, in some ways, like a child. We care deeply about them, and each restaurant feels like part of our family. So much hard work, thought, and energy go into getting them right because we want them to grow and thrive. Like new babies, new restaurants always require more time and attention, and they all have their distinctive personalities and quirks. Being a dad has certainly taught me how to be more patient and more nurturing.
Head For The Hills!
Hill Country Barbecue Market & Chicken, 345 Adams Street, Brooklyn
Hill Country Barbecue Market, 30 West 26th Street
Hill Country Chicken, 1123 Broadway
hillcountryny.com
