Arlington Eats host Jeremy Thomas heads to TJ’s Catfish & Wings and M’Jays House of Smoke, where they are serving great food and welcoming you into their family. 

“We’re here to serve the community,” said Travis Johnson, owner and operator of TJ’s Catfish and Wings. “We’re here to make you happy when you come in, and when you leave, you’re going to be even happier.”

When TJs first opened in 2003, owner and Martin High School alumnus Travis Johnson says the focus was on traditional wings.

“We added the fried catfish to the menu,” Johnson said. “We did some chicken tenders and boneless wings.”

We can’t forget about the Cajun Dishes, fried shrimp, okra, those hushpuppies too. Inside of this restaurant, you can experience two distinct great tastes. 

“I’ve now added M’Jays House of Smoke, which is owned by my nephew, to this process,” Johnson said.

“Just making it with love,” said Marcus Campbell, owner and operator of M’Jays House of Smoke. “It’s one of those things where I truly enjoy what I am doing.”

His nephew Sequin High School alumnus Marcus Campbell is throwing down on the grill smoking up some amazing barbeque from your multi-meat plates with brisket, ribs to a whole lot more. Texas Monthly thinks so too. 

“My main sellers are going to be the brisket tacos, the loaded potatoes, loaded cornbread, the Brisket Philly. I just have a lot of one-off menu items that everybody loves. 

Campbell and Johnson say they come from families who not only know their way around the kitchen but want everyone to experience and enjoy the great flavors they create. 

“Our menu can change in an hour or overnight just because we’re in the back using our skills to the best of our ability,” Johnson said. 

“I love kicking it with the family and kickbacks,” Campbell explained. “My whole vision was to create a kickback type vibe. So, when somebody comes here to eat, they feel like family.”

While the businesses look to expand soon, they plan to keep taking care of their hometown right here in The American Dream City.

“The community has always embraced us. I’ve always tried to give back to my community because this where I’m from,” Campbell said.

“I love this community,” Johnson said. “Arlington is a very supportive community. You have a young and old crowd, minority and majority crowds and they really support their community. I’m really proud of that.”

Both restaurants are located at 4261 W Green Oaks Blvd Ste 506, in Arlington. For operating hours and menu items, click here for TJ’s Catfish & Wings Facebook page and click here for M’Jays House of Smoke’s Facebook page.