The Pflugerville BBQ scene has mustered a heaping helping of support, raising more than $80,000 through a GoFundMe for local BBQ joint owner John Brotherton as CBS Austin reports. The owner of Brotherton’s Black Iron BBQ, which ranks among Texas Monthly's top BBQ spots, fell into a medically induced coma following a health emergency on January 4th. During the sudden medical incident that threw the Brotherton family into turmoil, the community barbecue luminary is now fighting for his life in the ICU.
The GoFundMe campaign was launched by a family friend to cover Brotherton’s critical medical expenses, as stated by KXAN. Capturing the ethos of a tight-knit community, Brotherton has been hailed not just for his mastery of mesquite and meat but also for his frequent acts of support for local ventures and others in the BBQ space. He's shared generously "of his time, of his knowledge, of his passion for this craft," Bill Dumas, a pitmaster at Brotherton’s, highlighted, knowing of his contributions that impacted many.
Braeden Brotherton took to the restaurant's Facebook page to express gratitude for the outpouring of community support, saying, "We'd never expect support from anyone, but the outpouring of support and love we’ve already seen has been staggering to say the least." He emphasized the family's wish to keep the establishment running during this tough period, stating that "the restaurant will stay open for business, as Dad wants." as reported by KXAN.
Keeping the smoke rolling and the brisket slicing, the BBQ joint is persevering through these tough times, open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on select days and a bit earlier on Sunday, as per CBS Austin. Braeden Brotherton also made a polite plea for customers to enjoy the barbecue without burdening the staff with queries about his father's condition, showing their support silently through patronage and allowing the staff, who've been "absolute rockstars," to focus on delivering the service the community has grown to cherish.
Dumas expressed his desire for patrons to keep showing up, as they always have, emphasizing the establishment's commitment not just to high-quality barbecue but to the ethos of heart, love, and soul-infused in its every serving. Those wishing to contribute to John Brotherton's medical fund can do so via the established online GoFundMe campaign.
