Kelli Nevarez
IG: @misspitmaster
As Pitmaster and Co-Owner of LaVaca BBQ, Kelli Nevarez has always been guided by two passions: family and food. Growing up, she spent her childhood following her father, Lupe, across Texas as he competed in BBQ competitions, learning firsthand what it meant to dedicate yourself to craft. Those early experiences lit a spark that would shape her future. When her parents encouraged her to leave her career as a teacher and join the family business, Kelli didn’t hesitate - she saw it as an opportunity to turn that lifelong passion into something meaningful.
Six years later, that leap of faith has paid off. LaVaca BBQ now proudly holds a spot at #8 on Texas Monthly’s Best BBQ Restaurants list, a milestone Kelli cherishes deeply. For her, the success is more than recognition - it’s a reflection of the hard work, resilience, and love her family has poured into the business. One of her proudest accomplishments has been collaborating with her parents to create a menu that blends traditional Texas BBQ with modern Mexican influences, honoring both their heritage and their creativity. To Kelli, BBQ is more than food - it’s an art form, and she is the painter, finding joy in every guest who leaves with a smile.
Located in Port Lavaca, Texas, LaVaca BBQ began as a dream between Christine and Lupe Nevarez. Their vision was simple: stay rooted in tradition while offering something fresh and exciting to the BBQ world. From classic brisket and house-made sausage to smoked tamales and Mexican pork steaks, the menu reflects that balance. Today, LaVaca BBQ is more than a restaurant - it’s a gathering place where families, food lovers, and adventurous eaters come together, all welcomed with the same guiding principle: treat every customer like family.
As Pitmaster and Co-Owner of LaVaca BBQ, Kelli Nevarez has always been guided by two passions: family and food. Growing up, she spent her childhood following her father, Lupe, across Texas as he competed in BBQ competitions, learning firsthand what it meant to dedicate yourself to craft. Those early experiences lit a spark that would shape her future. When her parents encouraged her to leave her career as a teacher and join the family business, Kelli didn’t hesitate - she saw it as an opportunity to turn that lifelong passion into something meaningful.
Six years later, that leap of faith has paid off. LaVaca BBQ now proudly holds a spot at #8 on Texas Monthly’s Best BBQ Restaurants list, a milestone Kelli cherishes deeply. For her, the success is more than recognition - it’s a reflection of the hard work, resilience, and love her family has poured into the business. One of her proudest accomplishments has been collaborating with her parents to create a menu that blends traditional Texas BBQ with modern Mexican influences, honoring both their heritage and their creativity. To Kelli, BBQ is more than food - it’s an art form, and she is the painter, finding joy in every guest who leaves with a smile.
Located in Port Lavaca, Texas, LaVaca BBQ began as a dream between Christine and Lupe Nevarez. Their vision was simple: stay rooted in tradition while offering something fresh and exciting to the BBQ world. From classic brisket and house-made sausage to smoked tamales and Mexican pork steaks, the menu reflects that balance. Today, LaVaca BBQ is more than a restaurant - it’s a gathering place where families, food lovers, and adventurous eaters come together, all welcomed with the same guiding principle: treat every customer like family.