Spirit of Texas BBQ to Open New Location in Apple Valley This Summer
APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A popular Texas-style barbecue chain is expanding to the High Desert with plans to open its fifth location this summer in Apple Valley.
A large “Spirit of Texas Barbecue” sign recently went up at 19123 Outer Highway 18, drawing attention from locals curious about the transformation of a long-vacant building. The nearly 12,000-square-foot structure, which previously housed Fat Jack’s Bar and Grill, has been empty for over a decade.
While an official opening date has yet to be announced, an employee at one of the current locations confirmed to VVNG that the Apple Valley restaurant is aiming for a summer 2025 debut.
Spirit of Texas BBQ already operates in San Bernardino, Riverside, and Covina, and has built a strong reputation for delivering bold flavors and generous portions.
Online reviews praise the chain not just for its food, but for its service and atmosphere. “From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re treated like family,” said Tricia F. of Colton. “The staff are friendly and attentive… the team is always ready to offer a recommendation or a warm smile.”
She added that the brisket is “tender with just the right amount of smoke,” the ribs “fall off the bone,” and the sausage “packs serious flavor.”
Another reviewer, Eileen B. from Temecula, shared that her group of five ordered three pounds of meat and six sides—and still had leftovers. “The food was amazing!!! We ordered a pound of the brisket burnt ends, a pound of the beef rib, and a pound of the ‘moist’ brisket – SO GOOD!!” she wrote. “The locals know!! Looking forward to going back and trying their chicken!!”
The San Bernardino menu features a variety of meats sold by the pound, including brisket, pork belly burnt ends, rib tips, pulled pork, and more. Classic sides like spicy mac and cheese, potato salad, coleslaw, rice, cornbread, and banana pudding are also part of the fan favorites.
Rated 4.7 stars from over 1,200 Yelp reviews, Spirit of Texas BBQ was also recognized as one of Yelp’s Top 100 Barbecue Spots in 2024, placing at No. 41.
With a combination of Southern hospitality, authentic slow-cooked meats, and family-style service, the upcoming Apple Valley location is expected to draw long lines—just as its other locations already do.
More details on the opening timeline will be shared as they become available.
