HOUSTON – A Houston barbecue restaurant owner has found a new home and fresh start after facing devastating setbacks at one of his other restaurants. He credits overwhelming community support for his success.
Hiram Clark Barbecue, located at Highway 288 and the Beltway, celebrated its grand opening following two burglaries that nearly forced owner Paul Jacob III to permanently close his other restaurant, Jaco’s BBQ on Hiram Clarke.
“The community is the reason that we’re here,” Jacob said. “We are so grateful that everyone from so many different levels, from individuals to organizations to large corporations to radio hosts, many people have blessed us.”
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The community support, which came in the form of monetary, brisket, and equipment donations after KPRC2 aired Jacob’s original story, allowed him to expand instead of end his dream of being a small business owner.
The restaurants specialize in made-from-scratch barbecue dishes, with Jacob personally developing his signature recipes. “Everything from the sauce, the rub, our links, our potato salads - every single dish has love in it,” Jacob said.
The menu features traditional barbecue staples, including brisket and their famous loaded baked potatoes. Side dishes showcase Southern comfort food favorites like collard greens, Cajun stew, and three-meat beans.
Customer response to the new location has been enthusiastic. Kendra Hudson, who visited during both the soft opening and official opening day, praised the restaurant’s offerings. “I’m looking forward to getting off into this chicken, getting off into this brisket,” Hudson said, also highlighting the mac and cheese, collard greens, and potato salad among her favorites.
The restaurant’s revival represents more than just a business reopening; it demonstrates the power of community support in helping local enterprises overcome adversity.
Jacob sees each dish served as an opportunity to return the community’s support through his culinary craft.
