About Us
West Texas Barbeque Co. has been serving Authentic Texas-Style Pit BBQ in Jackson County and throughout Michigan since 1985. We cook our meats "low and slow" using indirect heat by burning oak hardwood. Specialty meats include Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork, Turkey Breast, Baby Back Ribs, Prime Rib, Hot link and Polish Sausage. Honey-Glazed Hams are another specialty that have been popular since the late 1980s during the holiday season.
Daniel Ralph Huntoon
The Barbeque Man
April 18, 1956-April 16, 2020
Dan Huntoon was born and raised in Jackson, Michigan. After graduating from Vandercook High School, he worked various jobs until, answering an ad in Western Horseman magazine, he took a position as Operations Manager at a Dude Ranch in West Texas. It was there he learned the art of West Texas style Barbeque. This opportunity, and Dan’s natural talent for this skill, fired a passion that would stay with him until his passing.
Dan moved back to his hometown of Jackson and, in 1985, started the West Texas Barbeque Co. Known to family, friends, and fans as The Barbeque Man, Dan built his business into one of the most iconic, and best-known, restaurants in the area. Authentic and exceptional, his West Texas Barbeque Co. won Best of Michigan: BBQ in 2012.
Importantly, Dan was, also, known for his giving spirit and willingness to provide employment opportunity to those who had made mistakes. Many of those who worked under Dan’s watchful eye went on to establish their own successful careers.
Dan remained, up until his passing, the guiding force behind the West Texas Barbeque Co.
Hunter Sullivan
Hunter Sullivan spent his early years growing up in Fort Worth, Texas. His earliest memories were days spent at the stock yards there. When his family moved to Jackson, West Texas BBQ was the only place that tasted like home. His mother would always get the brisket for holidays and special occasions.
After high school, Hunter attended Western Michigan University. Received a degree in business administration and management. After college, he managed multiple retail food establishments for 15 years. After learning West Texas BBQ was for sale, and the chance of it changing or disappearing. Hunter had to seize the opportunity. Hunter and Mallory took ownership of the business in early 2022.
With the true secret to West Texas BBQ staying with the business, the amazing staff. He did not want to change any of the original recipes. Only wanting to give people more of what they asked for. Combo platers, more hours, more seating, more options. Currently, Hunter and his family can be seen most days in the restaurant, catering events or on the food truck!