Emotional murals pay tribute to family legacy at Class 1 BBQ

When you decide to open a business in Amarillo, you have to pour your heart and soul into it. There is a lot of time spent, and things end up changing constantly, and you have to pivot to make sure you are successful.

That is the road that Charles and Maria Carr decided to endure when they opened up Class 1 Barbeque back in November of 2024. When they first opened, they were in the Food Truck Park off of Georgia Street. The park was booming every weekend.

Class 1 Barbeque was open even when the park was not. They had BBQ pits built in the park, which is quite an expense. The crowds came to visit and visit often. They had more sell-outs than not. Things were great.

Murals Woven with Heartbreak and Love

Over time, the food park saw less and less action; Class 1 Barbeque did not. They kept chugging along and selling out of food. The biggest hit they took was when their son, and a big part of the business, JT, passed away last October.

Navigating the unimaginable pain of losing a child, the family has deliberately woven JT’s memory and their family's heritage into the very fabric of their new restaurant.

The Move to Paramount Boulevard

We found out not that long ago that Class 1 Barbeque is on the move. They are working hard to get the new location opened at I40 and Paramount in the former Flavors of India location.

The original pits from the food truck park are being relocated, accompanied by their third pit to ensure they can keep up with the demand for their highly sought-after barbecue.

The building itself has had some murals done by the previous tenants, and of course, Class 1 Barbeque has taken it a step further.

Both sides of the building have had some beautiful artwork done. One side is their logo. Oh, and it's a sight to see. It's the mural on the other side that just tugs at the heartstrings. It is of their son and grandfathers who have made them who they are.

Mijo,
I sat for countless hours watching the incredibly talented artist, Victor Ayala Kart, bring you to life on a wall alongside your abuelito, Antonio, and your grandfather Hap. As he carefully sketched, painted, and added color to each detail, it felt as though pieces of our family’s story were being woven together before my eyes. The mural is absolutely breathtaking, filled with the warmth, strength, wisdom, and love of the men who helped shape our family.
We would give anything to have you here, but until we meet again, we will continue to honor you, carry your memory forward, and thank Yahuah for the gift of having had you in our lives.
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever part of us.
(READ THE WHOLE LETTER HERE)

We are keeping a close eye on the official opening date for the Paramount Boulevard storefront. Whenever you step inside for a meal, you won't just be grabbing incredible barbecue; you’ll be stepping right into a family's legacy. The murals alone make the new location worth a visit in person.