Big Al’s Smokehouse BBQ, a fixture of BBQ in the heart of Dallas, proudly announces its 50th-anniversary celebration. Big Al’s has been smoking meats exclusively with Hickory wood on Inwood Road, since its inception in 1974. The yearlong festivities commence with a 50th Anniversary Happy Hour Celebration on April 26, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 3317 Inwood Road.
Marking a half-century of Big Al’s “Smokin’ the Good Stuff” and heralding the unofficial launch of National BBQ Month in May, the 50th Anniversary Happy Hour promises a memorable experience for BBQ enthusiasts, featuring samplings of Big Al’s hickory-smoked meats, two new cocktails, and all-new brunch dishes that will be coming to the restaurant this Fall.
Lauran Weiner, daughter of the legendary Big Al and now leading the business, expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “’50 is the new 21′ with the launch of our two new cocktails. We’ve spent five decades perfecting our Hickory wood smoking, house-made rubs and barbecue techniques, and now, we’re thrilled to introduce refreshing cocktails while staying true to our Dallas BBQ roots.”
The celebration will showcase the unveiling of two innovative libations: “Big Al’s Margarita” and the soon-to-be classic “Spiked Sweet Tea,” both crafted to complement the rich flavors of Big Al’s Hickory-smoked meats.
In addition to copious sampling, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a live outdoor Masterclass on the “Art of Wood-Smoking Beef, Pork & Poultry,” featuring Pedro Garcia, Big Al’s esteemed Pitmaster since 1979, and Judy Smith, a 15+ year veteran of J&R Manufacturing, who is bringing both a J&R Oyler Rotisserie Smoker & Offset for the Masterclass. Another longtime Dallas institution, Rudolph’s Meat Market and Sausage Factory, will feature its sausage and new products.
As part of the festivities, guests can enter a BBQ-lovers giveaway, including a tour of J&R Test Kitchen with hands-on smoking tips & samples, along with a $50 Gift Card to Big Al’s Smokehouse BBQ and exclusive merchandise. Both J&R Manufacturing & Big Al’s are celebrating 50 years in Texas this year. To enter the giveaway early, just visit Big Al’s Instagram or Facebook page.
In its 50th year on Inwood Rd, Big Al’s Smokehouse BBQ reaffirms its commitment to the community by donating 15% of food sales every Tuesday Happy Hour and Dinner through July to the Texas Restaurant Foundation’s newest program, Second Chance, aimed at fostering career opportunities in the hospitality industry for justice-involved individuals.
The Happy Hour Celebration will culminate with the presentation of a State proclamation by Texas State Representative Rafael Anchia, honoring Big Al’s Smokehouse BBQ for its 50 years of BBQ heritage in Texas.
Big Al’s has plans to celebrate all year:
- May kicks off Wednesday Night Pitmaster Happy Hour from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with To-Go Whole Hickory-Smoked Chicken, Quart of BBQ Beans and Quart of Potato Salad, enough to feed 6, all for $20
- For Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day weekends, Big Al’s will feature a To-Go “Party on the Patio” with 4 pounds of Hickory Smoked Meats, 3 quarts of sides and a dozen rolls
- Big Al’s is looking for a charitable organization to support August through end of October with a share of Tuesday Happy Hour and Dinner proceeds and accepting inquiries
- In September, Big Al’s will launch “Briskets & Gravy Brunch” and will partner with a local Drag Show that raises funds for the community, along with additional themed weekend events
- In November, Big Al’s will bring back its classic Thanksgiving Holiday meals, and
- December will feature Big Al’s traditional Hickory-Smoked Holiday Meals.
Big Al’s Smokehouse BBQ is a family-owned and operated authentic Dallas BBQ restaurant and caterer, founded by Al Plaskoff in 1974. Today, the legacy continues with Al’s daughter, Lauran Weiner, at the helm, along with a dedicated team committed to delivering exceptional BBQ experiences. Pedro Garcia has been Pitmaster since 1979, and Jonathan McZeal, General Manager, has been at Big Al’s Smokehouse BBQ since 2008. Certifications: HUB – Historically Underutilized Business, WBE – Women’s Business Enterprises, and WOSB – Women-Owned Small Business. For more information, visit BigAlsBBQ.com.
