The Beast of Boot Ranch. Sounds like a scary movie title, doesn’t it? Sort of like the Creature from the Black Lagoon. But despite being a big, black, smoke-belching behemoth, The Beast is a welcome addition to Boot Ranch. It’s the source of mouth-watering barbecued meats that members can enjoy at the Clubhouse, Ranch Club or even at home.

Named by the culinary staff, The Beast is a 15-foot-long, metal-walled BBQ pit and smoker, mounted on a roofed, dual-axe trailer. It was built by Johnson Customized Smokers of Ennis, TX.

Boot Ranch had a smoker before, but not like this one. The old one could smoke ten 10-pound beef briskets at a time. The Beast can smoke 50  and can also grill steaks and roast rotisserie chickens.

All that capacity led Executive Chef Casey McQueen to create a new carry-out meal service for members. Menu options currently include beef briskets and pork baby back ribs, accompanied by soups, side dishes and desserts. The sides and sweets are prepared using the culinary staff’s favorite family recipes, hence the “All In The Family BBQ” name.

Demand for barbecue from the Beast has exceeded all projections, McQueen says. But he adds, “The real payback is to be able to do this for the members.” They no longer have to leave Boot Ranch to get some of the best barbecue in Texas.