LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – During Black History Month, Trey Ellis finds deeper meaning in operating Big E’s BBQ, a restaurant that has represented Black entrepreneurship in Lubbock for over two decades.
Ellis took over the business after his father, Ferlis Ellis Jr., passed away in August. The transition has given him a new perspective on the significance of Black-owned businesses in the community.
“First of all, I want to give all glory to God. My pops was one of the only black owners in the depot for awhile and it’s still that way with me. I do take some pride in that,” Ellis said.
The restaurant has operated for 23 years, growing from a trailer into a community gathering place at 1801 Buddy Holly Avenue. Ellis now carries the responsibility of maintaining that presence in an area.
His approach balances honoring the past while adapting for the future, evident in both his menu choices and customer interactions.
“You good? How you doing today? What’s good brother, I need a two meat plate. What two meats you want to do? Brisket and sausage. Let’s do it, I got you brother,” Ellis says during typical exchanges with customers.
Ellis has introduced new menu items like nachos, quesadillas and lunch specials while keeping traditional barbecue offerings that built the restaurant’s reputation.
“It’s been a journey for me but like said if I didn’t have this, I don’t know what I would do. This helps me, I know my pops lives through me. I have my brothers in here with me,” Ellis said.
During Black History Month, Ellis honors both his father’s entrepreneurial spirit and the broader tradition of Black business ownership that continues to shape Lubbock’s economic landscape.
Big E’s BBQ offers lunch specials Wednesday and Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., with evening hours Thursday through Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
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