Dan Galbraith, co-owner of Heart of Texas Barbecue, said he prides himself on bringing a unique flavor to the people of Hutto. A Ft. Worth native, Galbraith said he learned to cook barbecue in North Texas, where he continues to get his supply of hickory wood. “Cooking with hickory wood is one of the things that really separates us from what else is down here,” Galbraith said. “Also, we only buy the very best quality of meat you can get. It makes a difference.” Galbraith said he started Heart of Texas Barbecue as a catering business primarily serving weddings. He said after meeting his business partner, Brandee Rutherford, they eventually purchased a food trailer in October 2014. “The rub he uses, plus the hickory, makes a really unique, almost sweet taste,” Rutherford said. “Dan usually handles the pit, but I’m turning into a barbecue master.” Rutherford said she now oversees the day-to-day operations of the food truck business, and Galbraith primarily handles the catering. Heart of Texas Barbecue catered approximately 70 events last year, with party sizes ranging from 50 to 900, Galbraith said. Part-time employees help with large-scale events on the weekends. “We would like to get a brick-and-mortar store here in the next year or so,” Galbraith said. “I’m pretty pleased with the way things are starting off.” Heart of Texas Barbecue is most busy on weekend nights, with live music sometimes performing in the dining area around the truck, Galbraith said. “People seem to like hanging out here, especially when we have music,” Galbraith said. “Sometimes we sell out of food for the day, and we like that.” Galbraith said he has loved barbecue since a young age and has been cooking it for more than 25 years. Rutherford said she has been in the restaurant business for years and is a natural at cooking. “The business really started by accident,” Galbraith said. “But it’s turned into a passion.”

Top plates

Sliced brisket sandwich: $6.99 Smoked turkey sandwich: $6.99 Rib plate: $14.99 Loaded spud with meat: $8.50
206 Farley St., Hutto 512-230-0717 www.heartoftexasbarbecue.com Hours: Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.