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    OTL Drama

    A barbecue restaurant feud heats up: Charges of food truck bias, inspector games and denials

    Tyler Rudick
    Mar 7, 2013 | 10:52 am

    A local BBQ battle is taking an ugly turn up in Spring, where a celebrated barbecue trailer claims a nearby competitor is attempting to shut it down with the help of county government.

    It appears to be something of a David-vs.-Goliath scenario in which the brick-and-mortar Pit Master BBQ tries to stave off new barbecue arrival Corkscrew, a food truck-style outpost that recently received rave reviews from critic Alison Cook.

    Corkscrew says they're is "going permanent" after Pit Master complained to country commissioners about the BBQ outpost not having properly-approved structures.

    The H-Town Chow Down blog of Albert Nurick first noticed a recent Facebook post by Corkscrew co-owner Nichole Buckman, who says that her food trailer is "going permanent" after Pit Master complained to country commissioners about the BBQ joint not having approved structures.

    "They did this kind of stuff when we first opened," Buckman tells CultureMap, saying that a unnamed municipal employee told her that Pit Master has been behind several health department visits made to Corkscrew.

    In spite of operating as by-the-book as possible, Buckman says that the local government regularly hounds Corkscrew as well as another BBQ trailer by another nearby Pit Master location.

    "There are about 250 people who come through here each day, so we have to make sure everything's official with inspectors," Buckman says. "But then [Pit Master] went to the county, which has slightly different regulations."

    Now Corkscrew has decided to just make itself a permanent restaurant.

    From the Pit

    News of the ongoing "feud" comes as a total surprise to Pit Master owner Tommie Battles, who was completely unaware of the H-Town Chow Down post when CultureMap called to interview him.

    "This is the first time I've heard of any of this," he says. "I've been in the restaurant business for 40 years and I can honestly say I've never been a part of anything quite like this."

    Battles, a veteran Houston restaurateur who's owned and operated Pit Master for nearly a decade, says he and several other local businesses had a meeting with county commissioners about a list of possible improvements that could be made in the neighborhood.

    "I've been in the restaurant business for 40 years and I can honestly say I've never been a part of anything quite like this."

    Battles admits that the group made suggestions about area's "mobile food units" — and the fact that several rarely seemed to move despite a 48-hour time limit policy — but that the food truck issues were only one of a dozen larger complaints about trash problems in parking lots and highway underpasses.

    The Pit Master owner says he's never targeted Corkscrew and wishes them the best.

    "As far as there being a feud . . . I'm just not going to be a party to that," Battles says. "We feed five to six hundred people a day. I don't have time to get involved in anything like that."

    Soon-to-be equals

    In true Texas fashion, both the Corkscrew and Pit Master defend their barbecue to the end. Battles touts his "best BBQ" awards and his million-dollar-a-year business while Buckman claims there is virtually "no competition" for her lovingly pit-cooked meat.

    Regardless of how the feud looks now, the real BBQ rivalry will get underway once Corkscrew gets its official building — as well as an accompanying beer and wine license.

    unspecified
    news/restaurants-bars

    Drop it like it's hot

    Houston farmers market adds new indoor pickleball court with food and cocktails

    Brianna Griff
    Jun 18, 2025 | 1:00 pm
    Drop Shots HTX indoor pickleball courts
    Photo by Abante Photography
    Drop Shots HTX celebrates its grand opening this Saturday, June 21.

    Pickleball isn’t going anywhere — the racquet sport continues to score with Houstonians. The newest player on the city’s crowded court, Drop Shots HTX, stands out for one big reason: it’s entirely indoors.

    Drop Shots HTX indoor pickleball courts
      

    Photo by Abante Photography

    Drop Shots HTX celebrates its grand opening this Saturday, June 21.

    Opening June 21, Drop Shots HTX is the brainchild of hospitality veterans Roveen Abante (Conservatory Galleria, Duchess), Chase Lovullo (Conservatory Galleria), and Shawn Outlaw.

    “We didn’t just want to open a bar,” co-founder Roveen Abante said in a statement. “We built a space where people connect, whether they’re playing or not. There’s something for everyone here.”

    Drop Shots HTX is marking its grand opening on June 21 from 12-11 pm, offering all-day open play for $5 along with $5 food and drink specials. Live DJs and giveaways will add to the experience.

    Patrons can soak up the A/C while slapping balls across one of the six professional-grade indoor courts. Off the court, guests can engage in friendly competitions of skee-ball, ping pong, arcade basketball, and cornhole in the second-floor lounge. Nine screens make up one wall in the mezzanine, ideal for catching the latest game, or can be expanded into one 195-inch television.

    Clutch City Kitchen will keep the players' appetite at bay with pizzas, sandwiches, and acai bowls. For hydration, an indoor/outdoor full bar will have 10 signature pickleball-themed cocktails, mocktails, and fresh juices crafted from local fruits and veggies.

    “Some venues lean into serious competition, we lean into fun,” added co-founder Shawn Outlaw. “We’re the only indoor pickleball facility inside the Loop with a full bar, kitchen, lounge, and patio. But more than that, we’re the only one that feels like your new favorite neighborhood hangout, even if you never touch a paddle.”

    Events like Glow-in-the-Dark Fridays, Tacos and Tequila Saturdays, and Pancakes and Pickball mornings add a twist to the typical pickleball match. Bring the kids—the venue is family-friendly until 10pm.

    “We created Drop Shots HTX because we fell in love with a game that brings generations together,” Outlaw said. “From our 10-year-olds to our 65-year-old parents, pickleball is for everyone. And so is this space.”

    Drop Shots HTX is located at 2520 Airline Drive, Building A, Suite 100. It’s open Monday through Thursday from 12-11pm, Friday from 12 pm-12 am, and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-11 pm.

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