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BASTROP — A fast-growing barbecue chain is bringing its slowsmoked meats to Bastrop, with a new restaurant set to open by November, company officials said.
Smokey Mo’s BBQ plans to start construction on its 22nd casual service location next week in the Burleson Crossing Shopping Center, west of the city. Chain President Craig Haley said the new site is a tactical decision in the company’s largest expansion push yet, looking to support the city’s all-encompassing growth.
“Bastrop is a great community. We really like the smaller towns because we feel like we can really tie into the high schools and local businesses,” Haley said. “This community is growing fast, especially with its emergence as a tech hub — and it aligns perfectly with our model.”
The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission announced earlier this year several other retail giants coming to the shopping area off of Texas 71. A Longhorn Steakhouse, Sprouts Farmers Market and PetSmart are set to join the existing Lowe’s and Academy Sports.
Growing through a mix of company-owned stores and franchises, Smokey Mo’s reports $1.9 million in average unit sales, according to its 2025 franchise disclosure document. Haley said the business is attracting interest from both first-time entrepreneurs and seasoned multi-unit operators, but finding good real estate like Bastrop’s is the biggest challenge.
The Bastrop location will be corporate-owned and feature an updated layout, digital ordering technology and streamlined operations to support fast service and consistency. As Smokey Mo’s celebrates 25 years in business, Haley said the addition will bring new jobs and offer residents a reliable dining option grounded in Texas barbecue tradition.
“We’re building something special here. We’ll be looking for team members for that location very soon,” he said. “We’ll hire 25 to 30 folks in Bastrop — great people who are friendly. Our 25th anniversary marks not just a milestone, but a momentum shift.”
Smokey Mo’s is headquartered out of Cedar Park, where the first shop was opened in 2001. Restaurants are primarily located in the Austin and San Antonio areas — with other stops in Conroe, Hutto, Temple and Harker Heights — but Haley made it clear Smokey Mo’s flavor footprint won’t be limited locally.
“I think all of Texas is a good market, but at some point, Smokey Mo’s BBQ will grow outside of Texas and bring great Texas barbecue to other states,” he said. “The main thing that distinguishes us is we’re a neighborhood barbecue restaurant. We blend that great-tasting barbecue with the functionality to deliver it as well.”
The restaurant smokes all meats in-house daily and serves up brisket, turkey, pork, sausage and chicken by the plate or sandwich — alongside the traditional court of accompanying sides. Smokey Mo’s also handles catering for large groups, functions and holidays.
Haley plans to open the Bastrop location in early November to offer “the best turkey you can get” in time for Thanksgiving.
“We’ll have the food prepared just for you, and make those milestone events easy for the guests,” the president said.
