Anticipation is building as Heim BBQ draws closer to opening on West Magnolia. From hosting pop-up backyard dinners for family and friends, to working with some of the best pit masters in the country, and now opening a brick-and-mortar in the Near Southside, Travis and Emma Heim plan to stay true to their roots on this next venture.
For Travis who grew up in Fairmount, the new Heim BBQ location on the bustling Magnolia Avenue is his “dream restaurant,” he says.
When the Heim's moved back to Fort Worth from Austin, they took a leap of faith opening their own food truck with just $100 in their pockets. Fortunately, they had talent, work ethic and a wealth of experience working alongside Aaron Franklin of Franklin's BBQ, and John Lewis, dubbed the “badass brisket boy.”
A little more than a year later, they are gearing up for the opening of the highly anticipated Heim BBQ located at 1109 West Magnolia Avenue.
If you were one of the lucky individuals who enjoyed Heim's mobile truck location at Republic Street Bar this past year, chances are you experienced delicious barbecue and true Texas hospitality. With service three days a week and drawing a long line of BBQ fans, Heim would often sell-out of lunch before noon.
Although the line moved pretty quickly during my first visit and was well worth the wait, it was nothing short of nerve-racking to watch each of the items my mouth was watering for, get crossed off the list: From bacon burnt ends, then sliced brisket, and finally, banana pudding – there went my ideal lunch. Once we made it to the front of the line, the woman in front of us bought all but two remaining sliced brisket sandwiches. Even though I was content with trying anything at this point, I couldn't help but feel for the people behind us.
Not only was the food amazing and brisket incredible, but the Heim employees kindly handed out free sausage dogs to all of the remaining customers in line. Now that's real hospitality you can be sure to expect at the new location.
Heim says that the goal is to not sell out at the new location with help of several new, massive Oyler smokers made by a local company out of Mesquite.
Not your typical Texas BBQ joint, you can expect a modern, yet welcoming vibe, a vibrant patio and beautiful wood work elements throughout the restaurant – all of which Emma Heim designed.
Heim will open with full lunch and bar service, with a goal to launch dinner service and a late-night bar. The service will be market-style where patrons can order up at the front and enjoy drinks while waiting in line. The restaurant opens up to the patio which will be a perfect spot to soak up the sun during the upcoming summer months.
While fans can enjoy the same best-selling items from the trailer such as the brisket and bacon burnt ends, the new spot will offer an expanded menu with more variety in high-quality proteins, organic vegetables and new sides including family recipes they've wanted to share but didn't have the room to accommodate in the previous set up.
Fans can expect the same local vibe, their favorite foods, and the serving style that hasn't strayed far from their T&E MEAT club pop-up dinners (dinners Travis and Emmas hosted for friends in their backyard) where it all began. While the opening date has yet to be announced, they are planning on end of May or early June, so be sure to follow them on Facebook for an update in the coming weeks.
Details: Heim BBQ, 1109 W. Magnolia Ave; heimbbq.com
