Crooked Letter BBQ

Our History

Anthony and Vanessa Bouie /Owners

Welcome to Crooked Letter Barbecue, where the savory flavors of the South meet the heartwarming tale of Anthony and Vanessa Bouie. Born and bred in the culinary traditions of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Anthony’s love for smoking meats and family recipes became his culinary cornerstone, cultivated by generations before him. Meanwhile, Vanessa’s journey from Michigan to Hattiesburg intertwined her fate with Anthony’s, setting the stage for a flavorful partnership.

In 2013, guided by a spiritual calling, Anthony and Vanessa found themselves drawn to Dallas, Texas, where their culinary aspirations would take flight. It was in 2014, amidst a moment of profound revelation, that the seeds of their business were sown. Vanessa’s divine vision bestowed upon them their iconic slogan, “If it’s not falling off the bone, it’s done wrong,” a testament to their unwavering faith and sense of purpose.

The name “Crooked Letter Barbecue” emerged from Anthony’s own moment of inspiration, a divine whisper while waiting for Vanessa outside a local salon. The phrase “crooked letter” pays homage to the unique spelling of Mississippi, an emblem of their journey from the Magnolia State to the Lone Star State, infusing every dish with a taste of home.

Their Texas adventure began with a humble taste test among friends and family in Little Elm, where Anthony’s Mississippi-style cooking captivated Texan taste buds, heralding the start of an exciting barbecue venture. Crooked Letter Barbecue stands not only as a testament to Anthony and Vanessa’s culinary artistry but also as a beacon of their profound faith and the transformative power of divine guidance. Welcome to our table, where every bite tells a story of tradition, passion, and unwavering dedication.