Where did it all begin?
Reveille Barbecue Co. was born out of friendship and a passion for great barbecue. We take our small, yet important, role in our states history in barbecue seriously and look forward to serving you.
Meet the Pitmasters.
James McFarland
As many good folks in the Houston area do, naturally, James has spent most of his career working in the oil & gas industry.
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When oil prices plunged he began to get creative. James began by immersing himself in cattle ranching to learn first hand the ins and outs of the business. Meanwhile, he continued participating in local cook-offs and offering catering services on the side. Things were going great, until better opportunities opened up.
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He landed a spot running the pits for The Pit Room, a Texas Monthly Top 50 Barbecue Joint in Texas, located in the Montrose neighborhood of Houston. After gaining invaluable experience there, James said his thanks and goodbyes and moved up this time to Tejas Chocolate and Barbecue ranked in the top 10 of the same Texas Monthly list. Eventually he said his goodbyes. From there he facilitated the opening of Reveille with Michael and returned full time to oil and gas. All the while still cooking at Reveille on the weekends.
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Michael Michna
Michael was born and raised in the Tomball-Magnolia area just outside of Houston on the northwest side. An avid barbecue enthusiast, he knows a thing or two about serving because he's got a natural instinct for it.
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A Marine, Michael served in Aviation Ordnance during Operation Iraqi Freedom in its earliest years. Many of those special traits ingrained into him during his service in the United States Marine Corps carry forward today into everything he does.
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Those traits and a desire to continue helping others led him to his current role as firefighter for the Houston Fire Department. These days when Michael isn't out on a call, he's either back at the station or at home doing that other thing he enjoys: cooking barbecue for his fellow firefighters or his friends and family.
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Michael has proudly served his country and continues to serve the city he calls home. Now he wants to serve you personally at Reveille Barbecue Co.
Wade Elkins
Magnolia, TX native Wade Elkins returns to his hometown as Pitmaster, and partner in Reveille Barbecue Co.
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Wade has a diverse background in both barbecue and in fine dining. He started off nurturing his desire to serve superior barbecue in his backyard, and the reaction was huge. From there he began catering high end events with Texas Barbecue being the focus in each meal. Cementing a reputation among Houston's food critics as a serious contender in the culinary scene, his story was only beginning.
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From there he went on to become Assistant Pitmaster at Feges BBQ in Houston. Grateful for that opportunity, it was time to take on a new challenge.
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Reveille was already on the radar for many barbecue enthusiasts and food critics alike. But with limited hours of operation it needed someone devoted to it full time. Insert Wade Elkins. With full culinary and operational freedom, expect new and one of a kind menu items to be the norm.
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After all, barbecue isn't just a food. It's an experience.
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