News Summary
Lockhart, Texas, famous for its barbecue culture, is embroiled in a fierce rivalry between two barbecue families—the Blacks and the Terrys. The conflict primarily involves Mike Black and Kent Black, focusing on restaurant competition and family agreements. With allegations, lawsuits, and a history of disputes exacerbated by recent expansions, this family feud highlights the complexities of loyalty and business ethics in family-run enterprises. As tensions rise, the future of their relationships and contributions to Lockhart’s culinary heritage hangs in the balance.
Lockhart, Texas is witnessing a heated feud between two of its most iconic barbecue families, the Blacks and the Terrys, as tensions rise over long-standing disagreements and competitive rivalries. The dispute centers primarily around the Black family and the Terry Black family, particularly between Mike Black and his uncle Kent Black, reflecting a complicated history that spans over 15 years.
Lockhart has earned the title of the “Barbecue Capital of Texas”, a designation bestowed by the Texas legislature in 1999 due to its historic barbecue establishments. Recently, the rivalry between these two families has escalated, particularly after the opening of Black’s Barbecue Austin by Mike Black, along with his brother Mark and their father Terry. This venture has drawn accusations from Kent Black, who claims that the establishment breaches a familial agreement regarding restaurant locations.
Initially, disputes began between Mike, Mark, and Kent when disagreements arose about operational facilities and locations. Kent asserts that he was not consulted regarding the Black’s Barbecue Austin location, while Mike insists that an agreement had been reached. The tension culminated in a fallout leading to Mike and Mark’s termination from Black’s Barbecue by Kent, igniting a series of conflicts that included lawsuits and further family disagreements.
The intricacy of the rivalry deepened especially after the death of the family patriarch, Edgar Black Jr., in 2017, leading to additional complications within family dynamics. Issues concerning management decisions, financial disagreements, and ongoing conflicts have since created a rift that many believe will be difficult to mend. Moreover, tensions flared further when billboard advertisements became a contentious topic; reports indicate that Kent cut down a billboard belonging to Terry Black, a move that highlighted the intense competitive spirit between the two establishments.
In 2022, Terry Black’s Barbecue expanded by opening a new location in Lockhart, increasing the proximity between the two rivaling barbecue joints. This new establishment has exacerbated existing tensions, particularly when advertisements from Terry Black’s Barbecue referenced the legal troubles that Black’s Barbecue has faced regarding issues of tip sharing. The presence of both businesses so close to one another not only fuels the dispute but has turned it into a public spectacle, garnering significant media attention.
Adding to this complex family feud is the new corporate office of Terry Black’s Barbecue, which is strategically located directly across from the long-established Black’s Barbecue. The physical closeness of these two rivals underscores the depth of their longstanding division. Despite the ongoing conflicts, both families seem to understand the importance of maintaining communication, particularly with their 93-year-old matriarch, Norma Jean Black, who stands as a potential bridge to reconciliation.
Despite the hope for dialogue, Mike Black expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of restoring familial relationships, reflecting on the long-standing animosities that have marred their family ties. Observers, including barbecue experts and analysts, have noted that both establishments serve as a symbol of Lockhart’s rich barbecue culture, but the feud between the families threatens to overshadow their contributions to the city’s culinary heritage.
As the rivalry continues to unfold, the conflict between these iconic barbecue families raises questions about loyalty, business ethics, and the evolving dynamics of family-run enterprises. The outcome remains uncertain, but it is clear that the spirited competition between the Black and Terry Black families is set to remain a significant narrative in Lockhart’s barbecue legacy.
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Additional Resources
- KXAN
- Wikipedia: Lockhart, Texas
- CultureMap Austin
- Google Search: Lockhart Barbecue
- Eater Austin
- Google Scholar: Terry Black Barbecue
- Michelin Guide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Black’s Barbecue
- Texas Monthly
- Google News: Barbecue Feud
