Super Bowl Celeb Spotting

New England Patriots players chow down on 40 pounds of Killen's Barbecue

Under the leadership of head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, the New England Patriots are known for their discipline on and off the field. While they are certainly focused on preparing for Sunday's Super Bowl matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, they can't be all business all the time. Even the most dedicated players deserve a little time for sightseeing.

On Tuesday afternoon, about a dozen Patriots got a taste of Texas when they dined at Killen's Barbecue in Pearland. Chef-owner Ronnie Killen tells CultureMap that center David Andrews organized the trip, based on a recommendation from former Texan Ben Jones. The group also included backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and offensive linemen Marcus Cannon, Joe Thuney, Tre Jackson, Chris Baker, LaAdrian Waddle, Shaq Mason, Cameron Fleming, and Nate Solder.

"They were really nice and big, big, big guys. Their offensive linemen were eff-ing huge," Killen said. "I put out about 40-pounds of meat, and they ate every bit of it, except for a couple of beef ribs. They ate dessert, too."

The players also happened to be at the restaurant when Dan Patrick show producer Paul Pabst and blogger Andrew Perloff visited as part of a citywide barbecue tour that has also included stops at The Brisket House, Pinkerton's BBQ, and The Pit Room.

Of course, Killen invited them to sign the same wall that a number of pro athletes have. They even took home some hats and t-shirts. Andrews paid tribute to the meal in a Tweet.

Thanks to @killensbbq for the best BBQ I've ever had! You gotta check them out. Great BBQ better people. pic.twitter.com/9lAGRIWfNS

— David Andrews (@dandrews61)

January 31, 2017

Attendees at Thursday night's Big Texas Party will get to sample some of what Killen fed the players. He said he's purchased 1,000 pounds of beef ribs for the barbecue-themed event, which is a joint production between CultureMap and ESPN 97.5. (A few tickets remain and can be purchased here.)

"I'm going all out," Killen said. "Real Texas. Hopefully, it works."

Ronnie Killen hosted some of the New England Patriots at his barbecue joint Tuesday.

Courtesy photo

Ronnie Killen hosted some of the New England Patriots at his barbecue joint Tuesday.

celebrities barbecue super-bowl

FM Kitchen closes

Inner loop pickleball bar expands into neighboring burger joint

Photo by Becca Wright

PKL Social has expanded into FM Kitchen & Bar.

One of the inner loop’s most popular pickleball destinations is getting a makeover. PKL Social is expanding its footprint by claiming the space formerly occupied by FM Kitchen & Bar.

Since both PKL Social and FM Kitchen share ownership and management, the name change unites the property under one brand. It focuses on PKL Social’s success in its first year-plus of operations and sheds the FM Kitchen brand that’s been serving up burgers, comfort food, craft beer, and cocktails since 2017. Although the change won’t officially take place until July 26, the building’s exterior is already sporting a fresh coat of paint with PKL Social’s branding.

“It’s a direct response to the demand for more,” operating partner Jason Mok said in a statement. “We’ve conceptualized everything people have loved about FM Kitchen & Bar and PKL Social by creating a single concept and venue that brings it all together in an exciting, more seamless way.”

Open since March 2024, PKL Social has four pickleball courts, big screen TVs for watching sports, and two, 140-inch LED video walls for big games and other events. The rebranding brings upgrades in the form of Full Swing golf simulators that will allow people to play golf and other games for an hourly rental fee.

Some things will remain the same. The new PKL Social will still serve many of FM Kitchen’s most popular dishes, including its signature cheeseburger, smash burger, and weekend brunch items. Additions include on-trend items such as a chopped chicken Caesar wrap and a Buffalo chicken wrap, a fried shrimp basket, and a California-style burrito.

Beverage options include cocktails, craft beer, and wine. Non-alcoholic options include beer, cocktails, oat milk lattes sourced from Tenfold Coffee, and a frozen strawberry lemonade.

In terms of the venue’s layout, the patio bar and restaurant area that had been home to FM Kitchen will remain family-friendly. The court area around PKL Social’s original footprint will remain adults-only.

“PKL Social is becoming so much more than a pickleball destination. It’s a sports bar and event-centric destination with high energy and excellent food,” Mok added. “With our new upgrades, we can offer customers everything from corporate events and happy hours to social events such as our game day and reality TV watch parties, popular bingo nights, and cold plunge socials. We are excited to expand these options even further to be a true social destination for all.”

PKL Social will celebrate its expansion on July 26 with drink specials, raffle prizes, giveaways, a DJ, sips from brands including LALO Tequila, Athletic Brewing Co., Beam Suntory, and more.

Photo by Becca Wright

PKL Social has expanded into FM Kitchen & Bar.

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