BTU Spotlight -- Joe's Place

In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, when many homes in Bryan and surrounding areas lost power, Bryan Texas Utilities’ linemen were some of the first responders, working tirelessly to restore electricity. Crews spent long hours in the Texas heat repairing damaged infrastructure. Joe’s Place, a local favorite bar and restaurant in Wixon Valley, decided to give back to linemen who had given so much for the community.

Owned by siblings, Jason and Brooke Seymour, Joe’s Place is more than just a restaurant; it's a beloved institution with deep roots in the community. Originally opened by the Seymour’s great-grandparents as a general store on one side and a bar on the other, Joe’s has grown into a destination for those in the area. Recognized by Texas Monthly in 2017 as one of the Top 50 burger joints in the state, Joe’s Place is known for its mouthwatering burgers, rustic atmosphere, and seasonal crawfish boils. On October 4, 2024, Joe’s Place celebrated its 84th anniversary, a testament to the support of its loyal customers.

But for Joe’s, it's not just about serving great food—it's about being a part of the community. After Hurricane Beryl, the restaurant immediately saw an opportunity to give back. The brother-sister duo and their team decided to offer burger baskets to BTU linemen at a reduced rate; a gesture of thanks to those braving the elements to get the power back on.

“We’ve always had a soft spot for the linemen,” Brooke explained. “They’re out there doing dangerous and difficult work, often behind the scenes, and we wanted to make sure they knew how much we appreciate them.”

Once the community heard about Joe’s effort to support the linemen, the spirit of generosity took on a life of its own. Local businesses and residents quickly stepped up to ensure the meals were completely free. Thanks to JBG Plumbing, Tuck’s Tavern, and others, all 43 linemen working on the storm recovery received burger baskets on the house.

“As a second-generation plumber, I understand the dedication and long hours it takes to keep things running smoothly, often without recognition. Supporting the linemen after Hurricane Beryl was our way of showing appreciation for their hard work and commitment to getting power back to the community,” Bradley Gause, Director of Commercial Operations at JBG Plumbing said.

Hurricane Beryl was not the first time Joe’s Place has gone out of its way to support linemen. After the brutal Winter Storm Uri in 2021, which left Texas in a deep freeze and millions without power, Joe’s hosted a crawfish boil for the linemen who worked tirelessly to keep the power grid up and running. It’s clear that when the going gets tough, the Seymour siblings are ready to roll up their sleeves and give back. As Tuck’s Tavern Ownership suggests, the best way to support these businesses who in turn support the community is to shop, eat, and play locally.

“It was really heartwarming,” Brooke said. “I’ve always known we have a special community, but seeing everyone come together like that—it was incredible. People just wanted to show their appreciation, and it turned into something much bigger than we imagined.”

“We’re all about taking care of each other here,” Brooke shared. “It’s just what we do.”

Whether it’s their famous burgers or a steaming pile of crawfish when the season’s right, Joe’s Place is more than just a meal—it’s a slice of Texas tradition. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, and for breakfast on Sundays, there’s always a good reason to stop by. But perhaps the most important thing Joe’s serves is community spirit.

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