Brenham's Truth BBQ to open Houston location Johnny Carrabba is an investor in the venture

Truth BBQ in Brenham is expanding with a second location in Houston. Truth BBQ in Brenham is expanding with a second location in Houston. Photo: Robert J. Lerma Photo: Robert J. Lerma Image 1 of / 18 Caption Close Brenham's Truth BBQ to open Houston location 1 / 18 Back to Gallery

Truth BBQ in Brenham, helmed by 29-year-old pitmaster and Lake Jackson native Leonard Botello IV, is opening a second location in Houston. Johnny Carrabba is an investor in the venture.

Though only two years old, Truth BBQ captured a coveted Top 10 spot in Texas Monthly's recent Top 50 ranking of the state's best barbecue joints.

Botello's prodigious talent as a pitmaster and a focus on house-made sausage, side dishes and desserts, as well as the old-school, convivial atmosphere of the tiny location just off Highway 290 in Brenham, has made it a must-visit destination for barbecue fans across the Texas.

Carrabba is one of Houston's most successful and prolific restaurateurs. He opened the original Carrabba's on Kirby Drive with his uncle Damian Mandola in 1986. After selling the concept to a corporate chain, he retained the Kirby flagship as well as a location on Voss Road.

In recent years he's opened Grace's and Mia's restaurants near the original Carrabba's, and expanded his holdings in 2016 when he purchased Common Bond bakery in Montrose.

Carrabba is aware that some critics may see the partnership as a "corporate takeover" of a beloved Texas barbecue joint. He insists that viewpoint couldn't be further from the truth.

Carrabba says that when he first met with Botello at Truth BBQ, he "admired his work ethic, passion, and attitude. (Carrabba's is) still a family-run business. I believe we can help him out."

"This is Leonard's show."

According to a release, the second Truth BBQ location will open inside the 610 Loop in fall 2017.

"I knew if I could cook it, they would come. When I had the opportunity to establish myself in a small town like Brenham, on the side of Highway 290, I couldn't pass it up because barbecue on the side of the road is some of the best barbecue I've had. Everything just fell into place at the right time and in the right location." said Botello in a statement. "Finding the perfect (Houston) spot has been in the works for several months, and I am grateful to now have an opportunity to take Truth back to my hometown, which has been a goal of mine for several years."