Day In The Life of The #1 BBQ In Texas

Hundreds of pounds of brisket, ribs, sausages, and turkey are smoked at this somewhat hidden spot in Kennedale, Texas. Long lines start piling up 5 hours before the place even opens. People come from all across the country just to try their food, especially their house-baked bread (which is unheard of in Texas). I had the honor of shooting with the team at Goldee's BBQ, and it was an unforgettable experience (:

2 months of editing later, this might actually be my favorite video I've ever made.

Final song beautifully composed by @BigRicePiano - Blue Hour

[alvinzhoufilms]

Over the course of 2 months of editing, I realized a lot of the video games, anime, movies, and soundtracks I listened to during that time started to influence my video style, especially in the music selection. Can’t remember the amount of times I fell asleep in my chair while searching for the right track, but it was a lot, haha.

A few of inspirations: Your Lie in April, Xenoblade Chronicles, RL Grime, The Bear, Chef (Jon Favreau), Lofi Girl, and Ocean’s Eleven.

Sometimes I’d finish editing for the night, start playing video games, then immediately rush back to editing because of a boss fight, a cutscene, or a musical theme that inspired me to change up a particular song for a scene.

sounds kinda weird, but man I love video games and anime

[davidmills]

love seeing a team of young folks absolutely killing it in a super competitive industry. Proof here that friends can indeed do business together.

[okcharleys]

Just have to say—this is incredible filmmaking. I watched this because I love barbecue, but after seeing this, you could do a day in the life of an accountant and I’d probably watch it. Great work.

[Sound_And_Color]

I just drove 1300 miles from Minnesota to texas specifically to eat at goldees and experience genuine texas bbq. I’ve never had anything nearly this good. These fine people don’t just smoke meat, they make art and they are absolute masters at what they do. I WILL be back again!

[iNFAMOUSxHAVOC]

Dude, this is a really top notch documentary! I think I almost shed a tear for a place and food and people I've never met. You got an ear for music choices too man, I feel like I pride myself in that area too when I edit, it totally makes the piece come together. Keep up the good work!

[jaywest]

It’s crazy that they’ve been friends since elementary. That’s what you call a real friendship!

[christianjames]

I like how she's comfortable enough to be straight up about wanting her own restaurant. This shows the owners don't have big enough egos to want to supress that desire and have confidence they can fill her role.

[bretwomble]

You can tell the reason they’re so successful isn’t necessarily because of the food, it’s because they love the food they cook. They take an insane amount of pride in it. They love the process and every step it takes to get there. And the most important is they love each other.

[nathanhood]

The guys sitting on the porch at 7am drinking a few beers waiting 4 hours for BBQ is amazing LMAO

[mohamedshaafiee]

the sweetest statement in the whole show: "we were all in the same elementary". wishing the bunch many decades of success! great film-making too

[jakes]

As a BBQ lover, this film was so captivating. The cinematography was awesome. The guys at Goldee's seem like such a chill group, no egos at all. Great to see and hear their story.

[fmilton]

I watched this masterpiece for free?!?! What phenomenal work Alvin did. He captured the heart and soul of Goldee's. Absolutely beautiful.

[beau]

In September 2022 hurricane Ian hit my town (Fort Myers, FL) and we evacuated to my aunts house a cpl hrs away. While we were there me n my Dad came across this documentary and we both really loved the story. My dad loves good bbq restaurants and has traveled to a lot of different ones all over our state . The next month October 2022 while our town was rebuilding, i got a new job with a $3000 sign-on bonus. I told my mom for Xmas, as one of my dads gifts, I'm using that bonus money to fly me n my dad to Goldees bbq in March for his birthday. One month later on Nov 22, 2022 my father died unexpectedly. It crushed me. But I still took the trip in March 2023 to honor his memory n celebrate his birthday. I brought one of my best friends who my dad really liked in his place. We got there at 6am and we were number 9 n 10 in line. Best bbq I've ever had! It's painful to watch this video but it also reminds me of my friend who got to experience waiting in the cold for 5 hours for BBQ with me lol. This year, on the same day from last year, me and that same friend went to one of our local barbecue restaurants we like here and had lunch in his memory and in memory of the trip we took. I love n miss you Dad and I'm sorry you didn't get to experience the #1 BBQ in Texas. Thank you Goldees and Alvin for making this unforgettable documentary ❤️🙏🏻

[bendalton]

I'm from Texas, spent over 23 years in the restaurant business, and that is honestly probably one of the best, truest, behind the scenes look at a restaurant I've ever seen, short of being there. I hope this lets people realize the kind of work and dedication that goes into owning and running not just a bbq place, but a restaurant in general. You live and breath it. If you think of getting into the restaurant biz to just make a buck, to start one and then sell it for a bundle, because it's an easy way to make money.... DON'T!!!! you will fail. It's a way of life, not just a "job" or an investment. Fantastic video. Fantastic BBQ.

[NestlaysChaulkolateChips]

They all seem so chill and get along.
And they're friendly with other venues and hungry to continuing learning and better themselves.
That's some humble #1
And that burnt end of the brisket as a snack for people in line? GOLD

[tignau]

Why am I getting emotional over a barbecue joint in the middle of nowhere in Texas? This art in motion was absolutely beautiful.

[TrustYourGutz]

I don't know what it was but this actually made me emotional thinking about back in the day working in a restaurant. Looking back at it you don't remember the early mornings, feeling exhausted or the anxiety involved with a busy service. You remember the good times joking around, prepping food, listening to music, playing video games, taking a smoke break and having real conversations. I don't know exactly what it is but you captured something awesome in this video and it made me feel something for sure.

[ratmdex]

This was probably the best doc i've seen in a while. Let them speak for themselves and the passion just comes through them effortlessly. Great job Alvin

[yzbrew]

Bunch of young folks. Different ethnics. Look like a family. Killing the game! Love to see it!

[jordanjackson]

It’s really amazing to see how young these guys are. Just a bunch of guys that love BBQ come together and open their own place and it just explodes. Hats off of these guys!