North Texas BBQ Favorite Honors the Woman Behind Many of Soulman’s Original Family Recipes
Soulman’s Bar-B-Que will once again honor the life and culinary legacy of beloved family matriarch Mary Alice “Memer” Hallett on May 20, 2026, with a special pie giveaway celebrating what would have been her 105th birthday.
As part of the annual tradition, the first 101 guests at each Soulman’s Bar-B-Que location who purchase a dine-in meal will receive a complimentary slice of Memer’s signature buttermilk pie while supplies last.
For more than five decades, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has built its reputation around recipes rooted in family traditions, many of which trace back to Memer herself. Known for her warmth, hospitality, and home cooking, Mary Alice Hallett played an important role in shaping the flavors and spirit that continue to define the Soulman’s experience today
“Memer represented everything Soulman’s stands for: family, comfort, tradition, and bringing people together around great food,” said Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que. “Her buttermilk pie has become more than a menu item over the years. For many guests, it’s part of their own family memories and traditions.”
Originally opened in Pleasant Grove in 1974, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has remained family-owned while expanding throughout North and East Texas. Memer’s influence can still be found across the menu, from classic Southern side dishes to the desserts that have become customer favorites for generations.
In celebration of the occasion, Soulman’s will also share vintage family photos, guest memories, and special tribute content across its social media channels throughout the day. Guests are encouraged to join the celebration online by sharing favorite Soulman’s traditions and family moments using #SliceOfMemer.
“Food has a unique way of connecting generations,” added Randle. “This celebration gives us the opportunity to honor someone who helped shape our company while also thanking the loyal guests who have supported Soulman’s through the years.”
About Soulman’s Bar-B-Que
For more than 50 years, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has satisfied the hardest to please bar-b-que lovers….Texans! Founded in Pleasant Grove, Texas, in 1974, Soulman’s had only a few simple goals—serve great Texas-style BBQ and offer friendly, sincere service. With a focus on Faith, Food, and Family, Soulman’s passed-down recipes are still the foundation for the company’s success from their 8 different types of meat that are smoked “low & slow” over only hickory wood to their famous homemade sides, including Ranch house beans and Texas style cream corn! Throughout the years, this family-owned and operated company has remained true to its original strive for success and customer satisfaction and is honored to be considered one of the Best Regional Barbecue Chains to Try at Least Once (2025), Best Roadside Restaurants in America (2024), Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2024), the Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout & Delivery (2020), and one of the Best Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2018).
Soulman’s currently owns and operates 21 North and East Texas locations in Allen, Cedar Hill, Fort Worth, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Hurst Grapevine Highway, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mabank, Mansfield, Mesquite, Quinlan, Red Oak, Rockwall I-30, Rockwall Goliad, Royse City, Sulphur Springs, Terrell, and Van. To learn more about Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, visit them online at https://www.soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.