Our Story

A few months later, on a hot Friday night in August, Nick paused during one of the first live music shows to propose to Jen on the newly built uncovered patio (look for the sign that marks the spot). In front of family and friends, they happily made their commitment to each other and forever bonded themselves to Stanley's. The duo was married In April 2006 and accepted an offer to buy 1/3 of Stanley's ownership on May 26, 2006, barely a year after they met. And so it began!

On a commonly slow Saturday, where often 2 or 3 hours would go by without a single customer coming through the door, Nick brainstormed on how to grow the business. He would rely on his passion for hospitality, and grass-roots marketing tactics learned on the road touring in a fledgling band. He remained hopeful and focused on building Stanley's "one perfect order at a time," but the business struggled to grow quickly. To help Nick chase his dream, Jen quit her job as a personal trainer and fitness instructor and traded her career for an apron and a spot behind the counter. The two handled all the duties for a while but eventually hired a cashier and a cook to help on the line. Despite their best efforts, Stanley's still struggled to make ends meet, and they considered shutting the doors for good.

In 2008, huddled up in the small office and counting the last bit of money in the bank account, Nick wondered aloud if he should get a job as a manager at a corporate restaurant like Chili's. At that moment, Jen refused to allow Nick to consider such an option, and they re-committed themselves to the future of Stanley by formulating a plan. One of Jen's former personal training clients was the Chairman and founder of a local bank. After many phone calls and much faith (and paperwork), Nick and Jen had a chance to put it all on the line as the sole owners. They went "all in" by securing a loan for some operating capital and buying out their two partners. Then, as they say, after many years (and a few maxed-out credit cards) later, the rest is history!

Nick & Jen have kept the spirit of JD's recipes and methods alive and added their flair to the joint. Stanley's has since been recognized as "One of the Best BBQ Joints in the World!" by Texas Monthly Magazine, making their "50 Best" list five consecutive times! Nick & Jen also found their story published in David Gelin's book "BBQ Joints: Stories and Secret Recipes from the Barbecue Belt," Daniel Vaughn's "Prophets of Smoked Meat" published by Anthony Bourdain, and several photography books about Texas barbecue. In 2013, Nick & Jen expanded the joint's cooking and seating capacity and introduced a full-service bar with over 50 bourbon labels, Texas craft beer, and continued weekly live music.

The expansions have continued as they added the new indoor bar and seating in 2019 and new pit houses in 2019 and 2021. Stanley's has leased the property since 1960, but Nick & Jen were finally blessed with the opportunity to buy all three buildings on December 31, 2020.

Coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic and an extremely challenging year, Nick and Jen took valuable lessons from the lockdown and put stock in what is truly valuable in this life: Family! Nick and Jen began transitioning to Virginia, where she was born and raised, so they could be near her family and explore opportunities for their children and business. Currently, they are exploring possibilities for expanding Stanley's to the East Coast while continuing to grow and improve the location where it all started for them in Tyler.

"Mom & Pop" are proud of their "Little Engine That Could" and are honored, grateful, and proud to carry on an outstanding East Texas tradition. Nick & Jen have recruited the best staff to ensure the highest quality food and a fun atmosphere at Stanley's, and as always, they encourage all to: BE KIND! HAVE FUN!