Smitty’s Market, situated in the heart of Lockhart, Texas, is a renowned barbecue establishment with deep-rooted history. Originally, the location housed Kreuz Market, which was purchased by Edgar A. “Smitty” Schmidt in 1948. In 1999, Smitty’s daughter, Nina Schmidt Sells, established Smitty’s Market in the very building that had been home to Kreuz Market for over half a century. This was after her brother, Rick, relocated Kreuz Market to a new venue. The legacy of Smitty’s Market is further enriched by its expansion in 2015, when Nina acquired additional space in a neighboring 1920s building for more dining and banquet facilities. Despite these expansions, the heart of Smitty’s Market remains unchanged, with the original pit still in use, continuing a tradition of barbecue that dates back to 1924. The establishment has been recognized by Texas Monthly Magazine as one of the top barbecue restaurants in Texas and has garnered multiple accolades from the Lockhart Post Register.
