Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Smith Feges Patrick Feges.
Hi Erin Smith Feges, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My husband Patrick and I opened Feges BBQ in 2018 in Greenway Plaza, and went on to open our second location in Spring Branch in 2021. Our story is one of hard work, lots of love and dedication to our crafts.
Focused on fine dining, my career began at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, where I graduated at the top of my glass and moved on to work at acclaimed restaurants like New York’s Per Se, Babbo by Mario Batali and more before returning to Houston. Here, I spent time as an executive chef, consultant, culinary director and sommelier, soaking up all the knowledge along the way.
Meanwhile, Patrick was awarded the Purple Heart after an injury in Iraq. During his recovery, he caught the BBQ bug and began experimenting. He attended The Texas Culinary Academy, Le Cordon Bleu in Austin, surrounded by some of Texas’ best BBQ, and started honing his approach, eventually training in some of Houston’s most acclaimed kitchens like Underbelly, Brennan’s, Killen’s Barbecue and more—all while building up this business on the side.
Patrick and I met in the kitchen. I was focused on the menu for The Hay Merchant while he was cooking at Underbelly. We started dating and have been working together ever since. In 2016, I was asked to compete on Food Network’s Chopped. Patrick was asked to compete against me, but like a true gentleman, he turned it down. In the end I came out on top, helping to fund our dream BBQ business.
Nearly 10 years later, BBQ runs through my blood just like it does Patrick’s (he’s known as the ‘Whole Hog Guy’), but I still love to bring my background to the kitchen in the form of wine, seasonal ingredients and more. Now a family of three, we’re all about being kid-friendly at our Spring Branch spot, hosting events and promotions (Tip: Kids eat free every Wednesday!) and bringing people together.
At Greenway Plaza, we honor Patrick’s roots by supporting Houston’s veteran community with free lunches every Friday. I helped found I’ll Have What She’s Having, a nonprofit that supports women’s health in the hospitality field, and we’ll never stop cheering for Chris Shepherd’s Southern Smoke, a foundation for food and beverage workers in crisis. Giving back is where it’s at, and we were honored to receive StarChef’s Community Award during their last Houston tour in 2019.
Feges BBQ has been recognized for the quality of its BBQ by Texas Monthly, Garden & Gun and Thrillist, among others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Just two years after opening our first location in Greenway Plaza’s food court, COVID hit the culinary industry hard. Closures, new industry standards and a rush towards remote work and social distancing made it difficult to keep moving at the same pace. We’re grateful to our Greenway community for banding together and supporting small business in a time of crisis, and we’ll never take for granted that we made it through, unlike many others. We can’t say Greenway Plaza hasn’t changed, but we’re thrilled to still see lines on a daily basis. Our regulars have become friends, and our Greenway team, headed up by Christoper Jowell, Patrick’s brother, is solid as a rock.
As you know, we’re big fans of Feges BBQ. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
A Houston BBQ staple and a pillar in the Upper Kirby and Spring Branch communities, Feges BBQ is generous, big-hearted and passionate about staying involved and giving back to our community. Our award-winning barbecue has landed us accolades in Texas Monthly’s Best BBQ Joints, as well as Thrillist’s Best BBQ Joints in America for not one but three years (among others).
We’d love readers to know that we just started offering local delivery via DoorDash. And, if you’re outside of Houston, you can still get our food delivered via Goldbelly nationwide. We’re always at a local festival or helping plan killer parties with catering, private events and more; we’re renowned for our take-home, ready-to-heat Thanksgiving and Easter feasts; and we hope you’ll follow our Instagram to stay tuned to deals, events, new dishes and other fun news!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My father, the man who volunteered to help his daughter and son-in-law open their first restaurant over seven years ago, and somehow turned his eagerly-awaited retirement into a full-time job that pays in loaded baked potatoes and fried brussels sprouts. He will always be Feges BBQ’s OG Employee of the Month.
Chris Shepherd, who was originally Patrick’s and my employer, was one of the reasons Patrick and I met in the first place. Beyond that, he has mentored us and cheered us on since day one, and we are so grateful. Chris has been one of our greatest supporters, both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fegesbbq.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fegesbbq/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fegesbbqspringbranch
- Goldbelly: https://www.goldbelly.com/restaurants/feges-bbq
- DoorDash: https://www.doordash.com/store/feges-bbq-houston-35598047/78562549/
- Order Online: https://fegesbbq.square.site/s/splash
- Catering & Events: https://fegesbbq.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/FegesBBQ_CateringEvents_2024.pdf
Image Credits
This photo Dropbox link has all photographer credits listed in the file names:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/jcaajnsgzkxa1fhuqi40x/ADDgP18X8sGr8QdHU_bfXA0?rlkey=5ij67tx3nyk1dfv2ztnpc3rzh&st=03h4b1kt&dl=0
They include:
Carla Gomez
Robert Lerma
Julie Soefer
