Hello from Richmond TX

[ritchie brisket]

Looking to learn more about smoking meat as a small business. I am in Richmond Texas. 52 years old. Spent that last twenty years in oil & gas in an office doing the same job for the same company. So there I was, updating my 20 year old resume and did not like the idea of going back to an office doing statistics then it hit me. I want to start a new chapter doing what I love. 

I will probably have to go back to office world for a year or two while we gear up and test the waters.

I did help out with the company smoker when ever I could. I learned a little there and argued a lot over rubs. My thing was brisket and fire tending all night. long long hours but loved it. 

I do not have visions of becoming rich. I own commercial property in a booming area and have a workshop out back so overhead costs are low and can build anything I need. Would like to build my own smoker. Propane tanks look like a nice start. Also have a friend who can donate a trailer and he is a master welder. Any info on building a smoker would be much appreciated.

I looked into the local regulations and it is not a problem.

I have tried all the local bbq joints around here and only one has good brisket. It would be nice to bring great brisket to the local community. I like to focus on one thing and do that thing very well.

Ritchie C.

 

[gr0uch0]

Welcome aboard, Ritchie.  Used to travel through your area a ton as a kid on the way to my parents' friends'' place in Wharton:  they used to buy their cars from Joe Grillo in Rosenberg, and Herfort Diamond Factory down there is a great place to get brownie points with your better half.  Ton of good info to be had here on literally any topic relative to barbecue that you can imagine.  Good section on builds that you're looking for with repurposed propane tanks is here too.  If you can't find it, ask--there's someone here who will know.  Good luck!  

 

[SmokinAl]

Welcome to SMF Ritchie!

Glad to have you join us!

Al

 

[bizbuzz]

I got to thinking about using the smoker as a business too, I will be watching your replies.  Welcome!  I am new too!

 

[bellaru]

Welcome
I've only been to Texas once but some of the best beef BBQ I've ever had. Hard to believe there isn't too much good brisket for you to choose from.
There's a lot of great info here
Good luck and enjoy

 

[gary s]

  Good afternoon and welcome to the forum from a chilly and breezy day here in East Texas, and the best site on the web.                      Lots of great people with tons of information on just about everything.

        Gary

 

[ritchie brisket]

Thanks all for the warm welcomes.

There is really good brisket but what is near me are chain bbq joints. Ok one day then fossils the next time. And sauce. Sauce is a flag. 

Dont get me wrong I like a good sauce but on other things. Billy Blues made a sauce I could order in a cup with a straw. But I have not seen is in over a decade. It was not thick and had coffee and anchovies in it. Amazing good.  

Swinging Door is close by. I love that place.

Carriage House is among the tip top on my list but it is 40 miles away. 100 in Houston miles.

I think some places get carried away with complex rubs, too much heat, short cook time and or not the best beef ??? 

Beef must be local and grass fed. I like to support local ranchers.

take time trimming the fat and shaping the meat. I learned this from ole' Tommy at work. r.i.p. Also trim with making sausage in mind. 

Tommy would tell me "If I say that chicken can pull a plow , you better be puttin a harness on him."

Rub we used on brisket is 50/50  black pepper and salt.

Butcher for wrap. and rest time. I can taste the bark now. mmmmmmm bark.

i have never been on the business end of smoking and that is what I want to learn most of all.

Thanks a Bunch,

Ritchie.

 

[rexster314]

Hey good to see you up there. I'm down here in Brazoria county/West Columbia Tx

 

[ab canuck]

Hello and welcome to SMF from the Great white North  

. Browse the forums and ask lots of questions, get involved. There is a an amazing amount of info, recipes and knowledge here that are second to none. Enjoy good luck and share your experiences.

  Keep us updated on your path, will be interesting to see. We were planning a ride down there this spring but will have to postpone till next year. So name the best joints to stop in and give me ideas. Charlie

 

[cliff43j]

Welcome from Pearland, TX!  Always good to see another Texan join

Cliff.