Photo Credit: Big Tex BBQ Facebook

Ira Township, MI — A beloved barbecue crew that used to operate in Hazel Park has rebranded and plans to begin a new chapter in Ira Township later this spring.

The pitmasters behind Smoked Lotus BBQ announced on social media at the beginning of March that “big things” were coming soon. While sharing a photo teasing their signage outside of their new brick-and-mortar, the group also officially changed their Facebook account name to Big Tex BBQ.

RELATED: Smoked Lotus BBQ was a remarkable hidden gem in Hazel Park

Followers and barbecue aficionados were quick to comment, seeking more information, including guessing the new location and possible dates for the new launch. I parsed through dozens of comments, noting that Big Tex BBQ themselves were often quick to reply and engage with patrons, acknowledging and dropping breadcrumbs for foodies to slowly piece together more and more. It was from these comments that I ascertained that their new location would be in Ira Township, somewhere along M-29, right along the water of Anchor Bay!

From what I was able to gather, after the barbecuers’ moved on from their days at the Eastern Palace Club in Hazel Park, they looked for a new home in the same area but couldn’t quite find the right fit. Since multiple cities weren’t being too cooperative, Big Tex BBQ informed their followers that they eventually found a situation that was perfect for them in Ira Township. And while some were bummed about their favorite barbecue now being a bit of a drive away, many still commented that they couldn’t wait for the new location and revamp.

FULL SECTION: MI Foodie Adventures BBQ Series

Part of the rebrand was due to the quick pivot made by the group after they initially launched in the Eastern Palace Club. The pitmasters originally wanted to focus on rice bowls and went with Smoked Lotus as their name, but pivoted very quickly when they realized that Texas-style barbecue and big portions were more of their identity, so now, we have Big Tex BBQ! And as someone who got to enjoy their barbecue on their last day of operation in Hazel Park, I can attest that their portions are indeed massive and that their smoked meats were some of the best I’ve had in Metro Detroit.

While the latest updates from Big Tex BBQ indicate they plan to open in late April or early May, no official date has been announced yet on social media — so stay tuned! But folks along the bay, and those willing to make the drive, can look forward to a big new space with a 100-person capacity bar, on top of the pitmasters increasing their smoke capacity three times the amount of food they were producing in Hazel Park. So go hungry!

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I can understand that some may be a bit bummed they’ll have to make a longer drive to get this barbecue, but when food is this good, I’d argue that it’s worth it. Plus, you’re helping support a local business and a new restaurant space, a double bonus. Everyone is allowed to feel some type of way about it, but I think we should be happy for the Big Tex BBQ team and their exciting new chapter about to be written in St. Clair County. There are folks in rural parts of Texas and the South who drive even longer distances to get to their favorite barbecue joints; it’s just part of the game, and this foodie can’t wait to experience what Big Tex BBQ will be bringing to the table later this spring.

I’ll keep tabs on Big Tex BBQ’s social media for updates and will share what I can via my social media channels. You can stay up to date on the latest news for Big Tex BBQ as well, here. Otherwise, I’ll see you at the Grand Opening!