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ORAL HISTORY
Rick Schmidt
Born in 1945, Rick Schmidt grew up with his brother and sister in Kreuz’s, their father’s meat market. Well over 100 years old, Kreuz Market fits firmly in the tradition of central Texas German meat markets that evolved into barbecue restaurants over time. Today, Kreuz has evolved even further, with Rick at the helm. Situated in Lockhart, the town designated the Barbecue Capital of Texas, Kreuz now occupies a new and roomy building, while Smitty’s, owned by Rick’s sister Nina, runs from the original location. Rick connects past and present, tracing the history of knives chained to the tables, hot sauce being brought in by Hispanic customers, and why his menu got a little larger when he moved locations.