Tradition, family, honor, and change—these are the defining qualities that shaped our latest visit to Schoepf’s BBQ in Belton, Texas. Nestled in the heart of Central Texas, this barbecue destination embodies old-school charm while embracing a forward-thinking vision of “Craft BBQ.” For years, Belton’s annual Fourth of July Parade has been our excuse to visit Ronnie Schoepf, soak in the great BBQ atmosphere, and savor that old-school Texas brisket—a fun, reliable stop on the barbecue trail. But for the last couple of years, with COVID and government hiccups keeping us away, and with all the BBQ joints I explore, it’s tough to circle back when you miss your regular pilgrimage. So, we skipped two years, and to my surprise, Schoepf’s BBQ had changed in a big way. 

A Dynamic Duo with a Vision

That change came in the form of Staci Schoepf, Ronnie’s wife, and it’s a testament to the power couple behind this transformation. Ronnie and Staci don’t do anything without the other’s input—Ronnie says they could each run the business solo, but why bother when they can harness each other’s passion and talents? Staci’s drive for culinary creativity and customer experience pairs perfectly with Ronnie’s deep-rooted love for tradition and keen business sense. Together, their strong points make the business stronger, elevating Schoepf’s from a beloved local haunt to one of Texas’ top barbecue destinations.

Staci laid out the mission clearly: “To be the best, we must do two things. One, we must be known for our brisket, and two, we must provide the best experience for our customers as possible.” In 2019, they put this into action, researching barbecue joints nationwide. The result? A bold switch from mesquite to post oak for smoking and a commitment to Prime-grade brisket only. Each cut, hand-seasoned by Staci, bursts with flavor that reflects their shared expertise and care.