TITLE: Honoring Ernest Servantes of Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin for his contributions as a pitmaster and restaurateur.

SUMMARY: Honoring Ernest Servantes of Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin for his contributions as a pitmaster and restaurateur.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Ernest Servantes has distinguished himself through his accomplishments as a pitmaster and co-owner of Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin; and WHEREAS, A self-trained chef from Uvalde, Ernest Servantes began his restaurant career as a dishwasher and busser; he went on to work as a corporate trainer for Outback Steakhouse and as a cook for Huisache Grill in New Braunfels, and he later enjoyed a 15-year tenure as an executive chef with Sodexo, overseeing dining services at Texas Lutheran University; and WHEREAS, After honing his barbecue skills on his backyard grill, Mr. Servantes joined a competitive team, and they entered and won their first cook-off in 2009; over the succeeding years, they continued to overcome the competition at local, regional, and state barbecue contests; he went on to earn national attention with his victory in a 2012 episode of the Food Network show Chopped Grill Masters;and WHEREAS, In 2019, Mr. Servantes and former rival pitmaster-turned-teammate Dave Kirkland joined forces to launch a pop-up restaurant, which consistently sold out within an hour of opening; despite the pandemic, they took their business to the next level, establishing the brick-and-mortar Burnt Bean Co. in 2020 to wide acclaim; known for its traditional meats, its Mexican-inspired sides, and its rotating brunch menu, the eatery has been ranked among the best barbecue joints in the state by both Texas Monthly and The New York Times,and it received a Michelin Bib Gourmand Award in 2024; moreover, Mr. Servantes and Mr. Kirkland were recognized for their culinary prowess as James Beard Award semifinalists in the Best Chef: Texas category; and WHEREAS, Through his inventive and skillful take on a classic Texas cuisine, Ernest Servantes is elevating Seguin's place on the culinary map, and he has earned the admiration and appreciation of his fellow citizens; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby honor Ernest Servantes for his contributions as a pitmaster and restaurateur and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success in all his endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Servantes as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Martinez Fischer Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 905 was adopted by the House on May 23, 2025, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House