Texas’ Most Promising Young Chef in 2025

"Located in Lockhart, a small city between Austin and San Antonio, getting a taste of Barbs B Q requires effort — it's open only three days a week for lunch with a line that wraps around the block — but the patience is rewarded with delicious barbecue. Chuck Charnichart, a young female minority who trained at Franklin Barbecue and Goldee’s, has forged her way to create a spot that's unserious, fun and homey: very small and cozy, with a feminine name and an emphasis on care and strict quality control in every dish. The MICHELIN Guide chose Barbs B Q as the best restaurant in the city, and Chuck won the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Texas Young Chef Award (presented in partnership with Sysco). Customers rave about highlights like the Molotov pork ribs, green spaghetti and lamb chops (a welcome relief from heavier meats), while the brisket — which Chuck tastes daily — is consistently excellent; she has grown service organically (starting Saturdays, then adding Sundays, then Fridays) and hopes to add weekday specials not related to barbecue." - The MICHELIN Guide