The History of Pok-e-Jo's
The first Pok-e-Jo's Smokehouse, located on North Burnet Road in Austin, Texas was founded by University of Texas graduates Porky Haberman, Doug Bohne and Southern Methodist University alum, Joe Slayton. Unhappy with other BBQ joints, they set out to perfect their own recipes and rubs through countless samplings of ribs and brisket, and convinced Joe's grandma to share her prized potato salad recipe. Before long, their business was smoking.
Doug honed his restaurant skills at a few famous Dallas BBQ joints and turned Pok-e-Jo's into one of the best BBQ places in Austin.
Porky's son, Danny Haberman joined the expanding business soon after the original Burnet Road location was condemned to make way for Mopac Highway. Danny helped develop the company's burgeoning catering business. Within three years, Pok-e-Jo's opened two more locations, one in the Great Hills area of Austin, TX and the other in Round Rock, TX.
Years have passed since the first plate of BBQ was served, yet the same values of hard work and top quality meats have not changed. The popular side dishes, many of which are family recipes or have evolved from trial and error, are still made fresh every morning. Danny and Doug can still be found at one of the five locations shaking hands with "regulars" and visiting with old friends. The famous Burnet Road sign hangs proudly on the wall of the Round Rock restaurant showing that Pok-e-Jo's is here to stay.
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What others are saying:
Today was our annual Tenant Appreciation Lunch, and again, Pok-e-Jo’s did a fantastic job! Ya’ll have been handling our catering for this event for about 10 years or more and we have never been disappointed! Our tenants always look forward to your great bar-b-bue and we can hardly keep them away until we’re ready to begin serving everyone. Thanks for another tremendously successful event!
USAA Realty
Everything went perfect!!!! The management team said they have never seen a lunch go so smooth. I have only heard positive things about the food, especially the sausage. Everyone loved it. The team that you sent was just awesome. They took a lot of stress off of me. Since I have never done this sort of thing before. I did not know what to expect.
We will all definately refer you guys to anyone because of price, service and your customer service. You were so easy to work with and so was your team.
Thanks so much for all that you did for our company!
Sr. Customer Advocate
Farmers Insurance
I can’t tell you how wonderful yesterday was. The folks that came out here to ERCOT were
absolutely the most respectful and professional group I have ever seen. They came, they
Checked out our area, came up with a game plan of setting up, and before I knew it they were serving, and our employees loved it!!! I have never seen a group of people all work so well together…It was really impressive.
Electric Reliability Council of Texas -- ERCOT
The food was great and the service was fantastic. Jane and her crew were super. We had guests from Texas, Ohio, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Sweden - everyone raved about the BBQ. Thanks for all your help.
Once again you guys out did yourselves!!! The food was not only great, but the staff was wonderful as well. The service was a 10! They were friendly, curteous, and professional. We really enjoyed everything! We were very satisfied!!
Thanks,
President
Bowie Boy's Basketball Boosters
The evening was fantastic!! As always, Pok-E-Jo's did an outstanding job. We have always been so happy with your service which is the reason we have had Pok-E-Jo's cater the past 4 years. Thanks for everything!
Paredes Middle School
Where to begin? The service was spectacular. The servers got there, setup and left so quietly. It was like having a magical catering company show up without any noise or issues. Everyone was so pleased with the food. It was hot and very tasty. We will definitely use you again next year. Our overall rating is: PERFECT SERVICE!
University of Texas – Continuing Education Department
I couldn’t be more pleased with everything from you guys! Most importantly the food was amazing! Anyone can bring food to feed a bunch of people, but you guys take it to another level with the presentation and the service! Pok-e-Jo’s played a huge role in creating a truly special day for the soldiers and families to celebrate the safe return from a twelve month Iraq deployment. Thank you!
2-4 Aviation Battalion
I recently attended a beautiful wedding in Austin. I was delighted to see the staff of Pok-e-Jo’s preparing for the hungry crowd in the reception area because Pok-e-Jo’s has become an Austin tradition. (I can say this because I’m a native Austinite!) The evening was lovely and the great service by Pok-e-Jo’s was remarkable.
Wedding Guest
I can't tell you how wonderful yesterday was. The folks that came out here to ERCOT in Taylor were. Absolutely the most respectful and professional group I have ever seen. They came, they. Checked out our area, came up with a game plan of setting up, and before I knew it they were serving. People and our employees loved it!!! I have never seen a group of people all work so well together. It was really impressive! Lisa was so great in communicating to me and the team she was with. Please tell them all thanks again for such a wonderful job!!!
Sheila Powell
Thank you very much for the very professional staff you sent to our wedding celebration.
They set-up a beautiful display of food and maintained it through-out the serving period. They cleaned up and packed the left over food with great care. The best part for me was they did all of the above with little direction, with very kind disposition and were never intrusive during the festivities. The food was delicious.
Cari Wagenman
Your guys and gals did an excellent job with the food service for our luncheon. They were here on time, provided all the service we needed, and were 'very low maintenance' Thank you again for the great work and we look forward to the opportunity to use Pok-e-jo's again in the future!
Jason Mirabal