We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tracy Hutchins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tracy below.
Hi Tracy, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
My brothers and I grew up surrounded by BBQ. In 1978, our father literally attached Roy’s Smokehouse to our home in Princeton, Texas. As a young man, I felt just as connected to the craft of traditional Texas BBQ as I do now. It wasn’t just something I did as a job, it was something I did with my family, which is what matters most to me.
BBQ is different nowadays, but my purpose is the same: to run Hutchins BBQ on a foundation of faith, family and good old-fashioned tradition. The people I’ve surrounded myself with have made that purpose very clear to me. Over the years, my brother, Tim Hutchins, and I have built an incredible family at Hutchins BBQ and now we’re bringing up the next generation of great BBQ pitmasters, restaurateurs and staff members who are just as passionate about the business, and its purpose, as we are.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
It’s not just about the brisket or the ribs, it’s about carrying on a legacy. It’s about our brand, our story, our integrity, our community, and a commitment to excellence.
We treat our team like family, because they are. That family-first culture extends to every plate we serve and every interaction we have. We know that great BBQ brings people together, and we never take that for granted. The consistency and quality of our food, paired with heartfelt hospitality, is what keeps folks coming back and spreading the word.
We’re not currently expanding in terms of physical locations, but we’re absolutely focused on growth in our brand, reputation, and reach. Our vision is to solidify Hutchins BBQ as one of the premier barbecue institutions in DFW and beyond. That means innovating where it matters, maintaining rigorous quality standards, and always listening to our customers.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, there are three qualities that I believe made the biggest impact on where I am today with Hutchins BBQ: consistency, humility, and a deep respect for people. These aren’t just traits; they’re the principles that have shaped the way I approach business and life.
Barbecue is a discipline of patience and precision. You can’t cut corners and expect greatness. That same mentality applies to everything we do—whether it’s the way we prepare our brisket, how we greet a customer, or how we support our team. Being consistent, humble and respectful in your craft builds trust and credibility, which are everything in the restaurant world.
When you grow up in the BBQ world, you learn early that there’s always more to learn. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors, family, and teammates who’ve taught me to stay grounded. No matter how long you’ve been doing something, you need to remain teachable. Whether it’s learning new techniques, listening to feedback, or adjusting the business to meet changing times.
To anyone just starting out: keep showing up, stay humble, and lead with heart. You don’t need to have it all figured out, you just need to be willing to work hard, stay true to your values, and never stop learning.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Without a doubt, the most influential people in my journey were my family—especially my brother, Tim. Not only did we grow up together with a shared love of BBQ, but we’ve also been able to create something truly special at Hutchins BBQ.
Growing up, BBQ wasn’t just something we did—it was who we were. My brother and I learned what it means to put in the work when no one’s watching, to never compromise on quality, and to always keep faith at the center of everything. Beyond my brother, our team at Hutchins BBQ has also been a huge part of my growth. I’ve learned just as much from them as they’ve learned from me. Their passion, feedback, and dedication challenge me to be better every day. We succeed because we’re in it together—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hutchinsbbq.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hutchins_bbq
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hutchinsbbq/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hutchins-bbq-mckinney-2
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hutchinsbbq
Image Credits
Kathy Tran
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