H.R. No. 24
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The State of Texas lost an iconic pitmaster with the
passing of John Brotherton on January 15, 2024, at the age of 49;
and
WHEREAS, A native of Liberty, Mr. Brotherton studied at Sam
Houston State University in Huntsville, and early in his career, he
worked a number of jobs in Austin; he developed a deep passion for
cooking and for smoking barbecue, and he honed his skills while
operating the Hall of Flame food truck, which opened in
Pflugerville in 2011; two years later, he partnered with another
food truck owner, Jay Yates, to establish a brick-and-mortar
restaurant, Curly's Carolina, TX, in Round Rock; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Brotherton went on to found a smoked meats
pop-up and catering business, Brotherton Barbecue, in 2015, and he
later began cooking for his friend Kelly Gerry's restaurant, Black
Iron Eats, in Pflugerville; the pair merged their businesses to
form Brotherton's Black Iron Barbecue in 2017, and under
Mr. Brotherton's able leadership, the restaurant attracted loyal
customers from far and wide; among his many achievements, he helped
the restaurant to earn a place on multiple barbecue lists compiled
by Texas Monthly, including the magazine's "50 Best BBQ Joints"
ranking in 2021; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Brotherton enjoyed the
love and support of his wife, Brenda, and he took great pride in
their son, Braeden; and
WHEREAS, John Brotherton earned the admiration of all who
knew him, not only for his success as a restaurateur and businessman
but also for his exceptional warmth and generosity, and he leaves
behind a legacy that will resonate for years to come; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of John Brotherton and
extend heartfelt sympathy to all who mourn his passing; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of John
Brotherton.
Cole
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 24 was unanimously adopted by a rising
vote of the House on March 6, 2025.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House