Brandon Hurtado never planned on owning a restaurant. Now, lines form outside his new Urban Union location, with customers waiting to try the food. 

Hurtado bought a smoker online about two years ago and quickly developed a passion for barbecue. He hosted his first pop-up event at a local brewery soon after and quickly became hooked.

"Barbecue is incredibly competitive across the state," Hurtado said. "You really have to be unique."

To stand out, Hurtado tapped into recipes from his childhood. The blend of Mexican flavors with Texas barbecue drew big crowds to his food truck and prompted him to open his first full-service restaurant in Downtown Arlington's Urban Union. When Hurtado Barbecue opened a few weeks ago, the line wrapped around the block. 

Hurtado went to college in Arlington and says his pride for the city continues to grow.

"I couldn't think of anywhere else I'd rather have my barbecue restaurant," Hurtado said. "The City of Arlington has given us the location, the community, the resources we need to thrive here. That really has been the fuel for me being able to pursue the American Dream."

Hurtado Barbecue is located at 205 E. Front Street. Click here to learn more. 

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