Local restaurant voted top in Texas

Carman Williams

cwilliams@weatherforddemocrat.com

Texas Monthly Magazine confirmed what many local barbecue lovers already knew when it listed Baker’s Ribs in the Top 50 BBQ restaurants in the state.

The list was published in the June issue of the magazine and is the latest accomplishment for the family-owned franchise.

Baker’s Ribs was also voted Best BBQ in Weatherford by Democrat readers last September, and has received previous awards from Texas Monthly and D Magazine.

The restaurant’s roots run to Deep Ellum, where the original Baker’s Ribs still serves favorites like beef brisket and pulled pork.

Completely family-owned, the chain now includes locations in Weatherford, Mineral Wells, Dallas and Houston.

Brian Krier, the nephew of Baker’s Ribs founder, began working with his uncle at 14 and now owns the Weatherford Baker’s Ribs with his wife, DeeAnna.

“When I first met Brian, I was a vegetarian,” DeeAnna joked. “Of course, that’s no longer the case.”

The Kriers are thrilled about the honor, but said they knew nothing about it until DeeAnna’s brother casually picked up a copy of Texas Monthly.

They said the list increased the attention to the restaurant, but more importantly, it boosted the morale of the employees.

“They work really hard,” DeeAnna said. “Good things happen to people, but you have to work for it. It’s not free.

“It came at a time when we needed it. Now and then in life we need a morale booster that makes you say, ‘Oh, yeah, that’s why we’re doing this.’ It makes it all worthwhile.”

The Kriers believe Baker’s Ribs owes its success to the old family recipes, the strong work ethic and the commitment to employees and customers which they say defines the restaurant.

The Top 50 list has given them publicity from as far as Washington, D.C., but the Kriers say they owe the most gratitude to their diners.

DeeAnna added while the restaurant industry is growing rapidly in Weatherford, she feels very blessed the public has supported Baker’s Ribs.

“We’re so thankful that customers chose us to be here,” she said.

To celebrate their success, Baker’s Ribs in Weatherford will host a complimentary buffet from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, July 31.

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