A Texas barbecue chain is cooking up big plans for its first San Antonio location — a sprawling 17,300-square-foot eatery located inside the Bass Pro Shops outdoor superstore at The Rim.
North Texas-originated Hard Eight BBQ is spending $5 million to overhaul an existing restaurant space inside the retailer, documents filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation show. Construction is slated to begin next month and conclude in November, according to the records.
Hard Eight officials were unavailable for immediate comment on the project, including its grand opening date.
However, the barbecue concept won’t be the first restaurant to operate inside Bass Pro Shops’ sole San Antonio store, 17907 IH-10 West. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen lasted a little more than a year at the mega-retailer, which also housed a seafood concept called Islamorada Fish Co.
So what sets Hard Eight BBQ from the multitude of existing barbecue restaurants in the Alamo City?
The brand prides itself on an unusual setup that allows diners to select meats straight from the pit. Employees prep and slice the smoked vittles in front of customers, who also pick out their own sides and other barbecue accoutrements.
Hard Eight BBQ got its start in 2003 in the Cowboy Capital of the World, the North Texas town of Stephenville. Family-owned and operated, the business has since expanded to five units across the Dallas-Fort Worth region, and it also ships nationwide.
While a the menu for San Antonio’s forthcoming Hard Eight location isn’t yet available online, its stores typically feature pit-smoked meats including brisket, pulled pork, sausage, turkey, sirloin and even bologna along with a range of sandwiches. Sides include baked potatoes, pinto beans, potato salad, coleslaw, fried okra and more.
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