Texas Pitmasters to Open Brooklyn BBQ Joint
Texas barbecue restaurateurs Chuck Charnichart and Jonny White are set to open a new restaurant, Kirbee's, in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The pitmasters aim to bring authentic Texas-style barbecue to New York City's dining scene. The restaurant is scheduled to open in mid-2026.
- Jonny White's Fort Worth restaurant, Goldee's Barbecue, was ranked the No. 1 barbecue spot in Texas by *Texas Monthly* in 2021. Goldee's also earned a Bib Gourmand recommendation in the inaugural Texas Michelin Guide in 2024. - Chuck Charnichart's Lockhart restaurant, Barbs B Q, was named one of the 20 best new restaurants of 2024 by *Bon Appétit*. Charnichart herself was a James Beard Award finalist in 2024 and won Michelin's Young Chef Award in 2025. - Before opening their own establishments, both pitmasters honed their skills at other renowned Texas barbecue joints; White worked at Franklin Barbecue and la Barbecue, while Charnichart was a pitmaster at Goldee's. - The new restaurant's name, Kirbee's, is a tribute to White's dog and the pink video game character. - Kirbee's will be located at 55 McGuinness Blvd. South in Greenpoint, in a space formerly occupied by Peep's Kitchen. - The pitmasters plan to use smoker ovens at the Brooklyn location, a departure from the traditional offset smokers common in Texas, with the goal of ensuring consistency. - The menu will feature distinct plates from each pitmaster's style, with Charnichart known for South Texas and Mexican flavors and White for a brisket rub that includes turmeric and paprika. A dessert mash-up of Barb's chocolate pudding and Goldee's banana pudding has also been teased. - The restaurant will adopt the classic Texas cafeteria-style service and will initially be open for lunch on Fridays through Sundays.
