Pitmaster IndexKent Black
Owner & Pitmaster
Kent Black
Black's Barbecue (Lockhart Original)35+ years activeLockhart, TX
Signature:Ring sausage — a family recipe from the 1930s that hasn't changed in nearly a century
Kent Black is the third-generation owner of Black's Barbecue in Lockhart, carrying on a tradition that dates to 1932. Under his stewardship, Black's has expanded to Austin and other Texas locations while maintaining the quality and recipes that made the original Lockhart location legendary. The ring sausage — a coarse-ground, peppery link made from a pre-WWII recipe — remains the signature item and a point of family pride.
Technique
Traditional Lockhart-style post-oak pits. The same recipes and techniques passed down through three generations. Ring sausage is still made by hand.
Recognition
- Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ Joints (multiple years)
Influences
Edgar Black Sr. (grandfather)Lockhart BBQ traditionGerman-Czech sausage making