July Front Porch Guest: David Slaughter
In the heart of Sulphur Springs, Texas, Slaughter’s Barbecue has become a popular gathering place for our community. Owned by David and his wife, Kimberly Slaughter, it’s not just a place to savor mouthwatering smoked meats. It’s a testament to overcoming adversity and finding purpose. David Slaughter’s story is one of struggle, redemption, and unwavering determination—a journey that has deeply impacted his life and the community he serves.
David Slaughter’s beginnings were far from perfect. Instability and abuse marked his early life in Houston and later in Katy, Texas. Frequent moves to escape an abusive father made education continuously challenging. The emotional scars from his childhood abuse were profound.
“Man, that was hard, it was really hard dealing with that stuff,” David reflects.
Yet, these hardships shaped the man he would become. They instilled in him a fierce determination to never be like those who had hurt him, and a relentless drive to be a better person in every role he took on: husband, father, friend, boss, and business owner.
Meeting Kimberly marked a turning point. They were introduced through mutual family connections, and David was immediately drawn to her. Despite her plans to move to college, his persistence won her over. Twenty-three years later, their bond remains unbroken, blessed with two children and a thriving business.
Slaughter’s Barbecue began in 2015 as a modest venture driven by David’s passion for barbecue, starting with competition barbecue and gradually evolving. Their first selling spot was in a parking lot, responding to customer demands and building their menu on the fly. The Texas heat led them to invest in an air-conditioned concession trailer, which marked a significant step forward. One of the pivotal moments in their journey came with Logan Vaughn’s support, leading to the now-famous “Logan Vaughn Platter.”
This kind of community support has been a cornerstone of their success. Despite initial reluctance, David eventually embraced the opportunity to establish a brick-and-mortar presence thanks to the encouragement and mentorship of Jay Sheer, owner of Good Eye Market, who believed in David’s potential more than David did himself.
The culmination of David’s hard work and dedication came when Slaughter’s Barbecue earned a spot on Texas Monthly’s top 50 barbecue joints’ honorable mentions—a significant achievement in a state renowned for its barbecue. This achievement was overwhelming for David, a realization of his dreams.
Today, Slaughter’s Barbecue is not just a restaurant; it’s a vibrant hub of community and camaraderie. The lively atmosphere, great customer service, and exceptional food create a memorable Texas barbecue experience.
But for David, it’s more than just business.
“I just want to be remembered as a good person,” he says.
His legacy is already etched in the hearts of those who know him—a man who rose from the ashes of his past to build something meaningful and lasting.
David Slaughter’s journey from a turbulent childhood to a celebrated barbecue pitmaster is a powerful reminder that with determination and support, it’s possible to rise above, find purpose, and make a positive impact on the world.
For more of Sulphur Springs’ Pitmaster, watch the full Slaughter’s Barbecue video above. Hearing the story from his perspective is even better.
Click here to follow their Facebook Page to keep up with the Slaughter’s and all the food they have to offer!
