A Texas BBQ Legend KREUZ MARKET
Welcome BBQ lovers! Thanks for stopping by to learn more about the WORLD FAMOUS Kreuz Market in Lockhart, Texas. We made the trip to this historic market to chow down and learn about their amazing lengthly history in TEXAS.
Their METHOD of preparing BBQ smoked meats is simple and they’ve followed it for over a century.
Top Quality Meat: Our entire operation begins and ends with prized Texas cuts — done and done.
Simply Seasoned: Nothin’ fancy — we dry rub our meats with the only two things that matter, salt and pepper.
Smoked To Perfection: We smoke ‘em over post oak wood in our signature pits — then we stop there.
They make it sound simple! In reality I’ve learned over my five decades in the food business you have to be perfect, have passion, experience and be consistent every single day with your cook. The KRUEZ FAMILY does just that! They BRING THE SMOKE to create TEXAS BBQ deliciousness every day and that’s what made them a LOCKHART LEGACY and WORLD FAMOUS.
FAMILY HISTORY how it all began. In 1875, Jesse Swearingen opened the first meat market in Lockhart, Texas — selling barbecued pork and beef. In 1900, Charles Kreuz Sr. purchased the store from Swearingen and renamed it Kreuz Market.
1911-1948 In 1911, Charles Kreuz sold the market to his sons Theodore, Will and Alvin. Will sold his shares to brother-in-law, Hugo Prove, husband of Amelia Kreuz. In 1925, the original metal building at 208 S. Commerce Street in downtown Lockhart was torn down and replaced with a brick building.
1848 1990 In 1948, the Kreuz family sold the market to long time employee and butcher, Edgar Schmidt. In 1984, Edgar Schmidt retired and sold the market to sons Rick and Don Schmidt.
1990 – 1999, In 1990, Edgar Schmidt passes away in Lockhart, Texas. Edgar leaves the original Kreuz building to his daughter Nina Sells, and his sons Rick and Don continue to own the business. In 1997, Don Schmidt retired leaving his brother Rick as the sole owner.
1999 – 2011, Kreuz Market resided at 208 S. Commerce Street in downtown Lockhart for 99 years. In 1999, owner Rick Schmidt moved Kreuz into the new location on 619 N. Colorado Street. Pit Master Roy Perez transports the original hot coals from the old pits to the new ones. Rick’s sister, Nina Sells, continued ownership of the original building and reopened as Smitty’s Market.
2011 – To Present, In 2011, Rick Schmidt retired and sold the restaurant to his son Keith. Rick could often be found at Kreuz Market where Keith set him up with his own table. In 2012, Keith Schmidt partnered with family members to open Schmidt Family Barbecue and Lockhart Smokehouse restaurants around Texas. In 2019, 4th generation owner Rick Schmidt, passed away at age 73. Rick was the elder statesman of Lockhart barbecue and one of the city’s most respected businessmen.
All of this was history in the making and why they are now WORLD FAMOUS. If you love BBQ I would highly recommend you to a trip to LOCKHART, TEXAS and chow down on some delicious TEXAS BBQ and enjoy the family history.
KREUX MARKET is an OFFICIALLY approved Trey’s Chow Down delicious destination for all to enjoy. You’re going to love it and THANK ME LATER!
Trey (CHOW DOWN) Chapman
