San Antonio, December 26, 2025
BBQ Life by Chris, a family-run barbecue establishment in San Antonio, approaches its tenth anniversary. Founded by Chris Ashford, the business exemplifies dedication and community connection while considering an expansion to strengthen its local presence. This success story highlights the vital role of small businesses in Texas’s economic growth and encourages Houston entrepreneurs to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit.
Houston, TX – While our local economy thrives on its unique blend of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, stories of small business resilience often echo across the great state of Texas, offering valuable lessons for Texas TX entrepreneurs. One such inspiring narrative hails from a neighboring Texas city, where a family-run barbecue establishment is nearing a significant milestone, embodying the dedication and drive that fuels economic growth at the local level. This story underscores the power of personal achievement and commitment to craft, principles that resonate deeply within the Houston business community and beyond.
The journey of a local business, regardless of its specific location within Texas, highlights the determination required to build and sustain an enterprise. The success of these ventures often stems from a foundational commitment to quality, an unwavering work ethic, and a deep connection to the community they serve. These are the hallmarks of robust economic growth driven by individual initiative, showcasing how entrepreneurial spirit can flourish when individuals are empowered to pursue their visions with dedication and ingenuity.
A Decade of Dedication on San Antonio’s East Side
On San Antonio’s East Side, a barbecue establishment known as BBQ Life by Chris is approaching its tenth year of serving authentic Texas barbecue. The business, rooted near WW White Road, is currently considering an expansion into a larger space, a testament to its sustained success and popularity. This family-run enterprise is led by Chris Ashford, who has built his thriving barbecue spot on lessons learned directly from his father, Edward Ashford.
The Roots of an Entrepreneurial Vision
The foundation of BBQ Life by Chris traces back to Chris Ashford’s parents, Ed and Waldean Ashford, who opened Ed’s Smok-N-Q in 2006 in an old Sonic Drive-In building on San Antonio’s East Side. Chris initially assisted his father, a former military man who developed his unique smoking system after starting his barbecue journey in Alabama. An unexpected accident prevented Chris Ashford from continuing his career as an 18-wheeler driver, leading him to fully immerse himself in the barbecue business. He took over his parents’ restaurant in 2016, renaming it BBQ Life by Chris, while his father continued Ed’s Smok-N-Q’s legacy nearby.
Family-Driven Success and Community Connection
BBQ Life by Chris stands as a prime example of a 100% family-owned and operated business, deliberately choosing to grow without external investors. Chris Ashford’s wife, Krystal Ashford, manages the kitchen operations, and their children, Christian (a junior pit master) and Krisalyn, are actively involved in the restaurant, contributing to its daily functions. This familial dedication fosters a strong bond, extending to how the business treats its customers, aiming to build a thriving community together. Their focus on authentic Texas barbecue is a product of hard work, a signature process, and passion. The menu features highly regarded brisket, ribs, chicken, turkey, and various craveable sides, prepared with simple seasoning and a commitment to consistency.
Eyeing Future Growth for a Texas Staple
As BBQ Life by Chris looks towards its tenth anniversary, the consideration of a larger space reflects a natural progression for a successful small business. This expansion signifies not just an increase in physical footprint but also a deepening of its economic impact within its local San Antonio community. Such growth often generates new employment opportunities and strengthens local supply chains, contributing to the broader regional economy. The commitment to quality and community engagement has allowed this establishment to flourish, illustrating how entrepreneurial innovation, coupled with resilience, can lead to sustainable development.
Lessons in Resilience for Houston Small Business
The story of BBQ Life by Chris offers compelling insights for Houston small business owners and aspiring Texas TX entrepreneurs. It highlights that success in the competitive culinary landscape, or any sector, is often achieved through personal dedication, skill development, and a strong family or team foundation. The decision to grow organically, without immediate reliance on external investors, demonstrates a principled approach to business development, allowing owners to maintain control and nurture their brand from the ground up. This model of entrepreneurial innovation and sustained effort is a powerful driver of economic growth across Texas.
The journey of BBQ Life by Chris from a family legacy to an expanding enterprise in San Antonio serves as an inspirational benchmark for businesses across Texas. Supporting such dedicated, local ventures, whether in Houston or other vibrant Texas cities, is crucial for fostering a dynamic and resilient economic environment. We encourage our readers to continue patronizing local establishments and engaging with the entrepreneurial spirit that defines our state’s prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is BBQ Life by Chris?
BBQ Life by Chris is a family-run barbecue establishment located on San Antonio’s East Side that is approaching its tenth year of serving authentic Texas barbecue.
Who owns BBQ Life by Chris?
Chris Ashford owns BBQ Life by Chris. He learned the barbecue trade from his father, Edward Ashford, who previously owned Ed’s Smok-N-Q in the same location.
When was BBQ Life by Chris established?
Chris Ashford opened BBQ Life by Chris in 2016, taking over the former location of his parents’ restaurant.
Where is BBQ Life by Chris located?
BBQ Life by Chris is located on San Antonio’s East Side, near WW White Road.
Are there plans for expansion for BBQ Life by Chris?
Yes, BBQ Life by Chris is currently considering an expansion into a larger space near its current location.
Key Features of BBQ Life by Chris
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Location | San Antonio’s East Side, near WW White Road | State-level |
| Status | Family-run barbecue establishment approaching 10 years of operation | State-level |
| Ownership Model | 100% family owned with no investors | State-level |
| Key People Involved | Chris Ashford (Owner/Senior Pit Master), Krystal Ashford (Kitchen Manager), Christian Ashford (Junior Pit Master), Krisalyn Ashford (Staff) | State-level |
| Menu Highlights | Brisket, ribs, chicken, turkey, and various sides, known for authentic Texas barbecue with simple seasoning | State-level |
| Growth Plans | Considering expansion into a larger space | State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
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