Today from the Southern Foodways Alliance: a local institution in southeast Texas, and the family that has been its backbone for over 100 years.

Jack Patillo Sr. opened Patillo's Bar-B-Q in Beaumont, Texas in 1912, making it the oldest family-run barbecue business in the state. Overseen today by Robert Patillo, Jack's great-grandson, the restaurant is known for its "grease balls" — handmade all-beef hot links that draw in loyal fans from across Texas. In a region saturated with barbecue options, Patillo's offers a quiet alternative replete with heirloom recipes and century-old charm.

Southern Foodway's documentary program is dedicated to exploring all aspects of Southern cooking and its history, from profiling notable pioneers to visiting unsung restaurant gems serving classic dishes. To learn more about the organization, read original stories, and find out about SFA events, click here.

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