New Caney – Nearly three years after a Thanksgiving‑day fire gutted the cooking areas of The Rusty Buckle Craft BBQ and Texas Cuisine, owner Allen Rhoden is preparing to welcome diners to a brand‑new restaurant on Sept. 25. The new location, situated behind the original building, reflects the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that many in East Montgomery County admire.
From trailer to new building
Rhoden first opened The Rusty Buckle in 2018, quickly becoming a local favorite for authentic Texas barbecue. When the fire struck in 2023, he kept the business alive by serving customers from a food trailer and later reopening on the opposite side of the property. Determined to grow, Rhoden began construction on a larger facility in December, and the project is now nearing completion.
What diners can expect
The new restaurant will feature indoor seating for up to 125 guests and an outdoor patio for additional capacity. In addition to the signature barbecue, the menu will expand to include burgers, country‑fried steaks, fish tacos, nachos and steaks, as listed on the eatery’s Facebook page. Live music will also be part of the experience, providing a gathering place for families and friends.
Community support fuels the rebuild
The East Montgomery County Improvement District (EMCID) played a key role in the project’s financing. Its board of directors approved both a grant and a low‑interest loan to help The Rusty Buckle rebuild, retain its employees during the transition and expand into the new space. “Rusty Buckle is a great example of the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit we see throughout East Montgomery County,” said EMCID President and CEO Frank McCrady. “Our investment was about more than helping a restaurant rebuild—it was about supporting its employees, preserving a locally owned business and ensuring this gathering space remains part of our community.”
Preserving local heritage
Officials noted that the new venue will showcase a variety of historical artifacts that highlight the history of East Montgomery County, further rooting the restaurant in the area’s cultural fabric.
Rhoden’s outlook
“I’m looking forward to being open,” Rhoden said in a statement. “I just want to hear that bell on the door ring as our customers come in to eat and cut whatever meats we have ready for that day.” With the grand opening set for Sept. 25, the community can anticipate a revitalized dining destination that honors its past while offering new experiences for families and friends.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
