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Smokeroom BBQ gets mixed beverage license for former Becks Prime space

Smokeroom BBQ gets mixed beverage license for former Becks Prime space

Money Moves Houston, TX local

Texas ABC approves liquor service for barbecue spot's move into former Becks Prime building

2 days ago: Texas ABC issues mixed beverage license

Overview

Updated 1 hour ago

Smokeroom BBQ, a family-owned Houston barbecue restaurant, received a Texas mixed beverage license for 11000 Westheimer Rd. on October 1. The license allows the restaurant to serve liquor by the drink at the Westchase address, which housed a Becks Prime for 35 years.

The license is one approval in Smokeroom's planned expansion into the former Becks Prime building. Smokeroom announced the location on April 26 and filed a $320,000 remodel and kitchen expansion with the state days later. Construction was expected to begin in August and finish by March 2027.

Why it matters

A popular Houston barbecue restaurant is one step closer to filling the Westheimer building Becks Prime anchored for 35 years.

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Key Indicators

$320,000
Remodel and kitchen expansion budget
Planned construction project for the Westheimer location, per Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing.
3,398 sq ft
Building size
Square footage of the former Becks Prime restaurant at 11000 Westheimer Rd.
35 years
Becks Prime's tenure at the address
Becks Prime operated at 11000 Westheimer from 1991 until its closure in February 2026.
MB
License type
Mixed beverage permit issued by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission allows liquor by the drink.

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Organizations Involved

Timeline

February 2026 October 2026

5 events Latest: 2 days ago
Tap a bar to jump to that date
  1. Texas ABC issues mixed beverage license

    Latest License

    Smokeroom receives MB license for 11000 Westheimer Rd.

  2. State registers expansion project

    Permit

    TDLR registers the $320,000 project under TABS2026019509.

  3. Smokeroom files expansion permit

    Permit

    Restaurant files Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation permit for remodel and kitchen expansion.

  4. Smokeroom reveals new location

    Announcement

    BBQ restaurant posts video showing banners at the former Becks Prime space.

  5. Becks Prime announces Westheimer closure

    Closure

    In February, burger chain says it will close the 11000 Westheimer location after 35 years.

Scenarios

1

Smokeroom BBQ opens Westheimer location

Likely Resolves by Jul 1, 2027

Discussed by: Houston food media (Chron, Houston Chronicle) and Smokeroom's social media following

Smokeroom completes the remodel and kitchen expansion, then opens its new location to customers at 11000 Westheimer. The mixed beverage license already in hand means it can serve alcohol from the start. Construction is expected to finish by March 2027, so an opening would likely follow that.

2

Westheimer opening pushed past construction deadline

Possible Resolves by Jul 1, 2027

Discussed by: Restaurant industry observers tracking construction timelines

Construction runs past the March 2027 estimate, pushing the opening into late 2027 or beyond. Delays could come from remodeling issues, permitting, or supply chain problems common in restaurant buildouts. The license stays valid while the project is underway.

3

Smokeroom abandons Westheimer expansion

Unlikely Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: Not widely discussed; a tail risk among Houston restaurant observers

The project stalls or is scrapped, the license goes unused and lapses, and the space returns to the market. This would require a major shift in plans, such as failed financing or construction problems the family can't absorb.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

December 2017

Franklin Barbecue opens Austin airport outpost (2017)

Aaron Franklin's Austin barbecue restaurant, famous for award-winning brisket and hours-long lines, opened a location at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. It let travelers buy Franklin's brisket without queueing at the East Austin flagship.

Then

The airport outpost extended Franklin's brand to a new audience of travelers.

Now

It became a model for Texas barbecue names expanding beyond a single smokehouse.

Why this matters now

Shows how a beloved barbecue restaurant can grow to a second location while its original spot keeps drawing crowds.

1991 - February 2026

Becks Prime at 11000 Westheimer (1991-2026)

Houston burger chain Becks Prime moved into 11000 Westheimer Rd in 1991, a few years after launching its concept. It operated the location for 35 years, building a loyal neighborhood following.

Then

Becks Prime closed the Westheimer location in February 2026, wrapping up a 35-year run.

Now

A successor tenant, Smokeroom BBQ, announced plans to take over the space in April 2026.

Why this matters now

Smokeroom's expansion fills the building Becks Prime occupied for decades, with the new license enabling alcohol service there.

Sources

(4)

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