Dining
BY JARRETT WHITENER
Fritze’s pitmaster Victor Garza (left) and owner Robert Reed (right) work together to maintain the restaurant.
The brisket sandwich with a side of potato salad. ($9.50)
PHOTOS BY JARRETT WHITENER COMMUNITY IMPACT
Fritze’s BBQ & Catering: 18 years of serving Boerne
For 18 years, Fritze’s BBQ & Catering has served the Boerne community with barbecue on the northern side of Main Street. Seven years ago, current owner Robert Reed bought the business with the goal of maintaining the restaurant and continuing its barbecue legacy. The background Prior to owning Fritze’s, Reed worked in the restaurant industry, holding multiple positions throughout his career. Reed said one of his life goals was to open a business in a small town that encourages the community to socialize and come together. “In this day and age, it is hard to nd mom and pop places anymore, and the only places you can really nd them are in a small town, so I wanted to keep that alive,” he said. The restaurant has survived challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic challenges that have led to less people dining out, Reed said. Reed attributes the success of the restaurant to the dedicated sta and the customers that continue to support the business. “We have been supported since we got here through COVID, and through everything,” he said. “I have really worked hard to keep it a ordable, and one of the ways we do that is through our daily specials.” What’s on the menu The menu at Fritze’s focuses on providing options for everyone, featuring barbecue plates,
sandwiches, salads, sides, deserts and other options. On the barbecue side of the menu, the restau- rant focuses on brisket, sausage, turkey and chicken. Reed said pitmaster Victor Garza has been part of the business since it rst opened. “It is true central Texas barbecue,” he said. “The brisket is smoked for 18 hours. We do a kind of mellow smoke that isn’t too smoky, but you can still taste it.” For those looking for convenient and quick options, the restaurant o ers drive-thru services and take out orders. For larger parties, catering options are available. Looking ahead Reed said the support from the community has helped the restaurant nd a place in Boerne, being popular among a number of locals and workers coming through the area. While the focus of the restaurant is the food, Reed said he takes pride in the dirt on the oor at the end of the day, an indication that blue-collar workers and other people decided to enjoy a meal. The last seven years have been a success for Fritze’s, and Reed said the future of the restaurant will be left to the next generation. Despite challenges in the restaurant industry, the goal for Fritze’s will remain being a mom and pop business that invites Boerne locals. “The restaurant business is so tough right now,” Reed said. “I am so blessed to have the people that I have so that, as I get older, I can step back.”
One popular menu item is a plate with a choice of meat and two sides. ($12.99)
Alongside barbecue options, Fritze’s o ers salads and other menu items. ($10.00)
ADLER ST.
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926 North Main St., Boerne 830-331-9903
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BOERNE FAIR OAKS RANCH EDITION
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