Kreuz Market pitmaster to be inducted into Barbecue Hall of Fame
LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) — The pitmaster at Kreuz Market in Lockhart is being inducted into American Royal’s Barbecue Hall of Fame later this year.
Roy Perez is one of four people that will be inducted into the Hall of Fame, which aims to “recognize, document and preserve barbecue heritage.” He’ll be inducted on Nov. 8, after being nominated two years in a row.
“It’s a great honor because I didn’t come to work here to receive any awards or anything,” Perez said. “But when they want to present you with the Hall of Fame, I’m like, ‘Wow, what more honor can I get than that?'”
Perez had a stroke in November, the one-year anniversary of which will be when he receives his award.
“I’m like, ‘Wow, not even a stroke stopped me from doing my job,'” Perez said. “It’s all worth it! Maybe God has plans for me, I don’t know. But I wouldn’t change it, one single bit.”
After graduating high school, Perez worked in home construction for four years before turning to barbecue. He began his career as a sausage cook at Kreuz Market.
“I didn’t know anything about barbecue whatsoever,” Perez said.
He “went on to learn all the aspects of a traditional Texas barbecue business,” and was promoted to pitmaster, according to a press release from American Royal. Now the general manager, he’s been with the restaurant for 38 years.
“After 38 years, I’ve seen all the change in the barbecue world,” Perez said. “People think it’s an easy job because everyone wants to do it now. But so many places close down because they see how hard it is.”
