James Jones, also known as “Big Cat” among family and friends, said he loves barbecue and golf. Golf gave him his nickname, and barbecue gave him his business, Big Cat BBQ, in Cedar Park. The restaurant celebrates its one-year anniversary in August.
In his hometown of Cuero, Texas, Jones said he and a thin friend with whom he played golf earned the nicknames “Little Cat” and “Big Cat.” He said he has been stuck with the name ever since.
Jones worked as a paramedic for 28 years until he was injured and forced to retire from the industry. The self-proclaimed barbecue lover, who started cooking at age 12, began participating in barbecue competitions near his hometown east of San Antonio, such as the Cuero Turkey Fest and the Yoakum Tom Tom Festival.
“It takes a little while to figure out what the judges want,” he said. “Because in competition you get one bite, and that’s what the judges score you on. So you have to create a memory for them.”
