Hurtado Barbecue's American Dream Story: From Personal Passion to Dream Job

Brandon Hurtado never planned on owning a restaurant. Now lines form outside his new Downtown Arlington location. 

Hurtado bought a smoker online about two years ago and quickly developed a passion for barbecue. He hosted his first pop-up event at a local brewery soon after and quickly became hooked.

"Barbecue is incredibly competitive across the state," Hurtado said. "You really have to be unique."

To stand out, Hurtado tapped into recipes from his childhood. The blend of Mexican flavors with Texas barbecue drew big crowds to his food truck and prompted him to open his first full-service restaurant in Downtown's Urban Union neighborhood. When Hurtado Barbecue opened a few weeks ago, the line wrapped around the block. 

Hurtado, who attended UT Arlington, says his pride for the city only continues to grow.

"I couldn't think of anywhere else I'd rather have my barbecue restaurant," Hurtado said. "The City of Arlington has given us the location, the community, the resources we need to thrive here. That really has been the fuel for me being able to pursue the American Dream."

Hurtado Barbecue is located at 205 E. Front Street, Arlington.

Story and video produced by the City of Arlington Office of Communication.

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