CENTRAL BBQ
Cuban Roots. Texas Smoke.
A Pearland tradition since 1969
Central Texas Style BBQ has been part of Pearland for more than fifty years; one of the city’s oldest continuously operating restaurants and a landmark for anyone who loves authentic Texas barbecue. The story began in 1969 when Diana LeClere, newly arrived from Cuba, stepped into the kitchen of what would become her life’s work. She brought with her a fierce work ethic, a love for cooking, and a willingness to outwork anyone in the room. Those values shaped everything that happened next.
Diana started with traditional Texas barbecue and slowly folded in the flavors she grew up with. Hickory-smoked brisket, sausage, ribs, chicken, and turkey stayed at the heart of the menu; but Cuban-inspired dishes like congri, Spanish rice, and a mojo-influenced sauce created a signature blend that made Central Texas Style BBQ stand out. Customers quickly learned this was more than a barbecue restaurant; it was a family kitchen with open doors and open arms.
Over the decades, Pearland watched the LeClere family grow up inside these walls. Diana’s daughter, Ruth LeClere, started working with her mother at a young age and eventually took the reins. Today, the restaurant is guided by Ruth and her son Devon Nixon, who manage the business the same way Diana did; with consistency, humility, and genuine hospitality. Four generations of the family can be found working the pits, greeting guests, serving plates, and keeping Diana’s legacy alive.
The State of Texas recognized Central Texas Style BBQ as an official Texas Treasure Historic Business, honoring its long-standing contribution to the community. ABC13 highlighted the restaurant’s unique blend of Texas barbecue and Cuban heritage. The Pearland Economic Development Corporation and Pearland Visitors Bureau have both featured the family’s story, noting the restaurant’s place as one of Pearland’s oldest establishments and one of its most beloved.
Inside the dining room, guests see the story written on the walls; family photos, memories, Pearland history, and the personality Diana poured into the building. Outside, the pits run day and night with hickory wood, turning out brisket, ribs, sausage, turkey, and chicken the same way they’ve been made for decades; slow, tender, and full of flavor.
More than anything, Central Texas Style BBQ has always been about people. Diana believed the food had to be excellent, but the way you treat customers mattered even more. That belief is still the foundation of the restaurant today. Every guest is greeted like family; every plate is served with pride; every day is an opportunity to honor the woman who started it all.
Over fifty years later, Central Texas Style BBQ continues to serve the community with the same spirit, the same recipes, and the same commitment to hospitality that began in 1969.
It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a Pearland tradition built by a family who came to Texas with little more than determination and turned it into one of the city’s most iconic dining experiences.
OUR MISSION
At Central Texas Style BBQ, our mission is simple; serve remarkable food, treat people like family, and honor the legacy that began here in 1969. For more than fifty years, our family has believed that great barbecue comes from patience, pride, and genuine hospitality. That belief continues to guide everything we do.
Quality Without Compromise
We prepare every meal with care; slow-smoked hickory meats, fresh ingredients, and the same family recipes that built our reputation. Quality is never rushed, and it is never optional.
Family, Tradition, and Community
We are proud to serve Pearland and the surrounding communities. Four generations continue to work side-by-side to create a warm, welcoming experience where every guest feels at home.
Exceptional Service for Every Occasion
Whether you are dining in, picking up a family meal, or trusting us with your event, we deliver the same level of attention, professionalism, and heart. Our catering team brings the Central Texas Style BBQ experience anywhere it is needed.
Consistency You Can Count On
For more than five decades, our commitment has remained unchanged. The same flavors, the same traditions, the same hickory-smoked craft; no matter where you come from or how often you visit, you always know what to expect.
Pride in Every Detail
Our Family Promise
At Central Texas Style BBQ, you are more than a customer; you are part of our family. For over fifty years and across four generations, our promise has remained the same; treat every guest with warmth, serve every meal with pride, and never forget where we came from.
We promise to honor our heritage.
Our family came to Texas with little more than determination and a love for cooking. Every dish we prepare carries that history, that work ethic, and that tradition.
We promise to serve food made with care.
From hickory-smoked brisket to our Cuban-inspired sides, every recipe reflects decades of passion, patience, and craft. We never cut corners; we never rush the process.
We promise to welcome you like family.
We promise consistency you can trust.
We promise to serve our community.
Pearland has supported us for more than half a century. In return, we work hard every day to give our best back; through great food, honest service, and the same welcoming spirit that built our reputation.