Texas BBQ royalty were on hand as friends and family of Lockhart Smokehouse joined together on Sunday evening to celebrate their first anniversary. We were all there to congratulate Jill Bergus, husband Jeff and pitmaster Tim McLaughlin on their success.

Lockhart Smokehouse has played a major role in the renaissance of Dallas barbecue, along with Pecan Lodge in the Dallas Farmer's Market. It's only fitting that a group of Jill's family came up from Lockhart to help them celebrate, including Kreuz Market owner Keith Schmidt and her grandmother Alma Schmidt.

Jill grew up surrounded by the legacy of great BBQ. Her grandfather, Edgar "Papa" Schmidt ran the legendary Kreuz Market from the time he purchased it from the Kreuz family in 1948 until he passed it onto his sons in the 1980's. Jill joked we could talk to grandmother Schmidt about how BBQ keeps her 101 years young.

The Lone Star beer was flowing and the Texas BBQ appetizers, followed by puled pork, Kreuz sausage and Shiner platters. No one left the party hungry.

Jill sums up the last year and looks to the future, "What a year it has been! From our icy first day, we have weathered the year. We look forward to sharing the next year of our fantastic adventure with you."

Lockhart Smokehouse, 400 W. Davis, Dallas, 214-944-5521. Open every day from 11am till they're done.

Photos ©Chris Wilkins/Texas BBQ Posse