After moving to Austin 15 years ago, he said he realized that Tex-Mex and Texas barbecue stood out the most about the city. Carver discovered a passion for visiting barbecue places across Texas and wanted to get involved in the business.
Founder Luis Vasquez started Louie’s BBQ in Austin in 2017, but when he faced financial difficulties, Vasquez decided to move the business to Buda, where the barbecue industry was less competitive. Carver became an investor and partner to help Vasquez turn the business around and eventually bought out the business. Carver then renamed Louie’s BBQ to Louie’s Craft BBQ in 2019.
"I was looking for a town that was quaint, had a Main Street charm. I came across Buda and moved the business here,” Carver said. “Look what [the business] is sitting under—it’s like one of the biggest oak trees I’ve ever seen. That, to me, is barbecue. Picnic tables, under a big ol’ Texas oak tree. That’s the formula.”
Louie’s Craft BBQ is best known for its large portions, giant baked potatoes, family-friendly feel and its brisket, Carver said. Louie’s Craft BBQ is also BYOB.
Consistency is key at Louie’s Craft BBQ, Carver said. When Carver took over the business, the main focus was the use of premium products. It uses Hartley Ranch Angus beef based in Austin and Berkshire pork, and the rubs are sourced from Arkansas, something not common in Texas, Carver said.
The business has grown 10 times over in sales since Carver became the owner. The pandemic helped to double the growth in the past two years, because the unit is primarily outdoors. The biggest struggle currently is the rising costs of food, but Carver said he strives to keep prices the same for customers.
“A returning customer is way more important to me than just a single-time customer. I want people to come visit us every week,” Carver said.••Two more locations are in Carver’s plans this year.
Louie’s Craft BBQ
122 Main St., Buda. 512-649-2727. www.louiescraftbbq.com
Hours: Wed.-Sun., 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., closed Mon.-Tue.
Editor's note: This story was updated to reflect that Vasquez moved the business from Austin to Buda prior to Carver's involvement.
