HOUSTON – KPRC 2 first brought you this unfortunate story on Monday about a family-owned barbecue joint targeted in a robbery that cost them thousands — only for them to be hit again.
ORIGINAL STORY: ‘Really wanted to quit’: Family-owned BBQ spot hit hard after thief steals thousands in brisket
The first incident was reported last Wednesday at Jaco’s BBQ on Hiram Clarke in southwest Houston.
Paul Jacob, owner of Jaco’s BBQ, said $1,200 worth of brisket that he had left on a secured pit overnight was stolen — a theft that ultimately cost the small business thousands in lost sales.
Following KPRC 2’s report, Jacob says the barbecue joint suffered another break-in attempt.
“It’s heartbreaking that someone would come in and take from a business that has given back,” Jacob said.
KPRC 2’s Deven Clarke: “On Wednesday, someone scaled this fence, came in here, and stole your brisket?”
Jacob: “Yes, sir. It looked like they walked off with a suitcase, some kind of briefcase.”
In the most recent attempt, the culprit was unable to break into the smoker, but the damage left behind is estimated at around $20,000 — including destruction to the fence the perpetrator scaled.
Jacob noted that the intruder spent about 10 minutes trying to pry open the pit.
“Even when you turn the rotator on, it’s making a noise now that it didn’t make before,” he said.
After last week’s robbery, Jacob added a thicker chain and a double weld to the smoker in an effort to protect the business.
“They weren’t able to break into this last night, but they really tried hard,” he said.
The family business has been serving the community since 2021, when it first opened its doors. Before then, Jacob ran the business from home with his wife and children until they outgrew the space.
The inspiration to start selling barbecue came from his church, Church of Bethel, after his food gained popularity among members and at catering events.
Since opening, Jaco’s BBQ has earned high praise on Google reviews and even caught the attention of the Food Network. Last year, while filming “Food Truck Wars” in Houston, the show’s crew visited the restaurant, according to Jacob.
Jacob takes immense pride in his work, stating, “Everything that we do here is made from scratch. Our employees really strive to keep the place clean, but most importantly, we put a lot of love into our food.”
He also shared that the restaurant was targeted two years ago, which led him to install fencing and barbed wire.
Despite those security upgrades, he remains unsure whether the recent crimes are connected.
The Houston Police Department is actively investigating both incidents.
As the investigation continues, Jacob is urging the community to be cautious about where they buy their food.
“That brisket was raw, so I don’t know what they could’ve done with that. To me, that sounds like someone who could possibly have a business,” he said.
