Truth BBQ Pitmaster Closes Merritt Meat Company in Round Top After Two Years
ROUND TOP, TX — A Barbecue Chapter Ends in a Tourist Town
One of Texas’s most celebrated barbecue duos is closing a project close to their hearts. Leonard Botello IV and Abbie Byrom-Botello, the team behind Truth BBQ, have announced that their Merritt Meat Company in Round Top will shutter at the end of August, after just over two years of serving brisket, ribs, and inventive sides.
A Short but Passionate History
The Botellos launched Merritt Meat Co. in 2022 as both a business venture and a tribute. The concept was created to honor their late friend and Houston restaurateur Lee Ellis, who had operated Round Top Smokehouse at Henkel Square before his passing. They renamed the space after Ellis’s middle name, Merritt, as a way to carry forward his legacy.
During its run, Merritt Meat Co. became a gathering place for both locals and tourists in Round Top, offering not just classic Texas barbecue but also creative spins on smoked meats. The couple acknowledged the community support in a heartfelt Instagram post, saying they were humbled by the trust placed in them by the Ellis family and the warm reception from patrons.
Why the Closure Is Happening
The Botellos revealed that the decision wasn’t theirs alone. According to their announcement, the property owners at Henkel Square are planning new changes and chose to take the space in a different direction. While the closure ends this particular project, the Botellos expressed gratitude for being part of the Round Top community for more than two years.
What Merritt Meat Company Brought to the Table
Like Truth BBQ, Merritt Meat Co. excelled in the fundamentals: brisket, ribs, sausage, pulled pork, and turkey. But what made it stand out were its more playful menu items, including:
- Brisket Philly cheesesteak
- Brisket banh mi sandwich
- Thai peanut coleslaw
- Oaxacan Brussels sprouts
These dishes reflected Botello’s knack for honoring Texas traditions while pushing flavor boundaries in new directions.
Author’s POV
As someone who’s visited Round Top during its bustling antique fairs, I know how important food is to the town’s experience. Merritt Meat Co. captured that spirit — it wasn’t just about barbecue, it was about connection. The blend of classics with inventive sides made it stand out, and its closure feels like losing a small but significant piece of Round Top’s character. Still, with Truth BBQ’s Brenham and Houston locations thriving, there’s comfort in knowing the Botellos will keep shaping Texas barbecue in powerful ways.
What’s Next
Though Merritt Meat Co. is closing, the Botellos emphasized they will remain active nearby through their other Truth BBQ locations. For Round Top residents and tourists, the closing marks the end of one era — but also the beginning of whatever comes next in Henkel Square, a place always in motion with new concepts and community energy.
Did you ever try Merritt Meat Company’s brisket banh mi or Oaxacan Brussels sprouts? Share your memories in the comments and keep following CityScoopNow.com for more updates on restaurant closings and new Texas food ventures.