Great news for DFW smoked meat lovers, Zavala's Barbecue reopens in their new location this Saturday, February 16th. The Posse got a sneak peek last weekend as partners Joe Zavala Jr. and Drew Wright fired up the pit and invited friends and family for a soft opening party.

Zavala's originally opened as a pop-up across from the Farmer's Market on Main Street in downtown Grand Prairie last March. They quickly gained a loyal following, bringing great Texican barbecue to the DFW area. Our first visit on Cinco de Mayo, their eighth week in business, was one of the most impressive first impressions we had ever experienced at a BBQ joint.

Zavala's closed their original pop-up in late September, after purchasing a historic building a couple of blocks down the street at 421 W. Main St. Built in 1946 to house a then-new restaurant chain, Weber’s Root Beer stand, the distinctive building required extensive renovation and updates, including a new smokehouse that will house two 1000-gallon offset smokers. The renovation ended up taking four months.

As in the past, they will be open only on Saturdays but are open to adding at least one Friday a month as business picks up.  "From there, we'll see where it takes us," said co-owner Joe Zavala Jr.

All the offerings on their past menu will remain the same, but they plan on adding several new items including more handmade sausage options and are going to experiment with a brisket boudin. They also plan to add some hot side dishes, but will phase these in as they get their workflow down.

They will continue to accept pre-orders, which will require a three-pound minimum order. You can pick up your pre-order from 10am-10:30am.

The doors open for diners at 11am, so get there early and prepare to experience some of the best barbecue you'll eat in the DFW area.

Zavala’s Barbecue, 421 W. Main St., Grand Prairie, 214-564-2799. Open Saturdays 11am-until the meat runs out. Internet pre-orders can be picked up from 10-10:30am.