For future reference, Cooper's at Junction, TX?

Has anyone tried that Cooper's? Is it associated with the Cooper's in Llano? I pulled off the Interstate for fuel and was startled to see it there because I don't remember ever hearing of it. Haven't been to Cooper's and kinda wish I'd have tried the place at Junction since I don't know when I'll be getting down to that part of Texas again or to Llano.

[waistedinkerrville]

Chimayo Joe, you didn't miss a thing. There's a very good reason you never heard of it.

[dawalrus]

Junction...highly recommended. :)

[Monsignor]

Has anyone been to either the Round Rock and Junction locations?

I've been to Mason and Llano and find them quite similar in quality, both in my top 8 or so.

[dawalrus]

Hello, the Round Rock location closed down several years ago, so that would be impossible. It was owned by Gary Cooper, George Cooper's (founder) youngest son. Junction is owned by Mark (grandson), and George's middle son, Roy. It is open today, and in my personal opinion, the best Cooper's (seeing as how it is done the original way that George Cooper intended). My family and I go through I-10 a few times a year that way, and we always buy several pounds of delicious meat. I have eaten at Llano several times, and it is pretty good, besides the fact they aren't legitimately Cooper's. They just bought the name in the late 70's (79), when Tommy Cooper passed away. As a huge Cooper's fan, I have tried the New Braunfel's location, and new Fort Worth location as well...Decent. If you have any more questions, I'd be happy to answer them. Thanks.

The one in Junction is related to the one in Llano. According to the below Austin Chronicle article, the original Cooper's in in Mason, and a son took off to Llano to open his and it has been sold several times. The one in Junction is newish and opened by a son and grandson of the original Cooper. I think. There's also one in Round Rock (surely somebody has a report?). However, it sounds like the other Coopers will be different than the one in Llano as it is Wooten that made Coopers what it is today.

For what it's worth, I've saw a Cooper's babecue in Kilgore last year around Christmas time. It looked new, but was closed (Sunday). I hope to get out that way again this Christmas and will provide a report (assuming the ribs at Country Tavern don't fill me up)

Here are the articles:

Main barbecue dynasty article:

http://www.austinchronicle.com/issues/dispatch/2001-11-09/food_set.html

Section on Cooper family:

http://www.austinchronicle.com/issues/dispatch/2001-11-09/food_set3.html

Corrections to barbecue dynasty story:

http://www.austinchronicle.com/issues...

I don't know the answer for sure so maybe I shouldn't be responding but I doubt it. Terry Wootan, a realtor in Llano, has owned Cooper's Llano for a long time. His office is next to the parking lot. Years ago I was talking to him about some property while he was shoveling coals. I think his son handles most of that kind of stuff now.

Looking at Cooper's web site, there doesn't appear to be any connection.

Here's the link:

Link: http://www.coopersbbq.com