Humble-based business Pitmaker, which was founded in November 2008, sells custom-made barbecue pits, trailers and food trucks to chefs and businesses.
The vision of a barbecue restaurant quickly morphed into the opening of 1886 Humble Backyard in mid-2017, Victor said. He said the dream was to have the bar serve as a destination for the Lake Houston area, but above all he wanted the business to be an homage to the history of Humble and be “Humble proud.”
“That’s why we love the name Humble, but people know there’s nothing humble when it comes to here,” he said.
However, beginning March 17, the bar closed for almost six consecutive months due to state orders during the coronavirus pandemic. The bar briefly opened for a month this summer, but the state quickly ordered bars to close again in late June as COVID-19 cases surged.
On Sept. 10, however, 1886 Humble Backyard reopened as a restaurant per Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission guidelines. The restaurant now offers its same signature cocktails as well as American-style burgers and sandwiches, said Becca Jackson, food service manager at 1886 Humble Backyard.
From its large outdoor patio, the restaurant offers 27 craft beers on tap and live music weekly. But 1886 Humble Backyard’s claim to fame is General Manager Jason Kersey’s homemade, stacked bloody marys served on Saturdays and Sundays, Victor said.
By the end of the year, Victor said he hopes to launch a limited barbecue menu on weekends—a dream he had prior to COVID-19—and to host cook-off competitions to bring more culinary styles to the area.
“Some people see disasters; I see opportunity. ... Whatever used to work for you previous to [COVID-19], it might not work anymore,” he said. “It’s going to make us closer to the community ... and putting our customers in front of everybody.”
1886 Humble Backyard
7015 Manor Way, Humble
281-441-4007
www.facebook com/1886humblebackyard
Hours: Mon.-Sun. noon-2 a.m.
