Travis and Emma Heim are ready to get smokin' — their second venue on White Settlement Road, known as Heim on the River, is about to open in March.

They announced the news via a Facebook post Wednesday, which read in part, “Attention all Fort Worthians! Heim Barbecue's newest location on White Settlement Road in the River District is set to open NEXT MONTH!”

The newest location is planted in The River District, which winds along the West Fork of the Trinity River. After taking a pass on the former Thurber Mingus location just down the road (the dive that, rumor has it, will now become home to a Tim Love concept), Travis and Emma Heim set their sights on the dilapidated VFW hall instead.

This 8,000-square-foot building bears little resemblance to its previous life. It has been completely modernized and sports a fresh coat of white paint. Heim on the River boasts more room for seating and more room for smokers. The restaurant is poised to open nearly two years after the makeover was first announced.

Along with backers Will Churchill and Corrie Watson of Kent & Co. Wines and Frank Kent Cadillac, the Heims signed the lease in May 2017 with Chris Powers Jr., the founder and CEO of Fort Capital LP, the lead developer of The River District.

The first Heim Barbecue opened in 2016 on Magnolia Avenue and has addicted customers who are still willing to stand in long lines to get their fix — from tender smoked brisket to over-sized barbecue-stuffed sandwiches and those famous candy-like burnt bacon ends.

Heim on the River

5333 White Settlement Road