Harlon’s Bar-B-Que, Houston

Harlon and Alfreddie Brooks founded the Brooks Family BBQ restaurant back in 1977, opening a humble homespun affair in a former Texaco station. Today, under the direction of their kids Marlon and Candace, the restaurant has grown into a smoked-meat emporium that attracts fans from all around the country. Today, folks still show up at the restaurant for smoky ribs and chicken, but the restaurant also sends briskets, gift baskets, and seasonings to lucky recipients via mail. Above all, the siblings are dedicated to maintaining their parents' commitment to quality, and have even answered the growing demand from grumbling stomachs by selling their sausages in local stores.