CULTURE & LIFESTYLE
THE STEPS TO OVERCOMING GYM ANXIETY
HOW TO GET GHOSTED IN TEN DAYS
BRETT’S WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME GHOSTED
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CONTRIBUTORS
Editors
Zoe May, Editor in Chief
Sydnei Miles, Managing Editor
Hudson Elkjer, Art Director
Laura McClintock, Photo Director
Sydney Hale, Social Media Manager
Photographers
Adriano Espinosa
Writers
Shalina Sabih, Kaleb Blizzard, Lasan
Ukwatta Liyanage, Charis Adkins, Jordyn Joeseph, Isa Chan Tack
Cover
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Photo by Laura McClintock, Photo Director
Photo by Laura McClintock, Photo Director
Photo by Laura McClintock, Photo Director
DON’T SWEAT IT
The steps to overcoming gym anxiety
Story by Shalina Sabih, The Battalion L&A Writer
Anxiety does not just refer to fear, dread and uneasiness towards speaking to large crowds or being scared of a prick from a sharp needle. For political science senior Hollee Trevino, anxiety was a relentless force, akin to a grim reaper that extended its long, cold, black cloak and suffocated her ambitions which kept her away from the gym.
“I’ve had anxiety since I was a kid but gym anxiety was always different because it physically did not allow me to do what I liked, which was working out,” Trevino said.
The gym can be a battleground for many, with anxiety manifesting in various forms. Studies show at least 30% of people experience performancebased anxiety at the gym, while 42% admit they experience appearance-based anxiety when working out. Construction science junior Nana Dolley said she was always worried that people were scrutinizing her form and judging her.
“I’ve had anxiety all my life but gym anxiety was different because it made me so self-conscious,” Dolley said. “It’s weird ‘cause I grew up playing sports and exercising but it was my decision to work out at the gym and I was scared.”
Despite the overwhelming anxiety, Dolley was determined not to let it derail her fitness journey. She pushed through, finding that with each visit, her form improved and her fears gradually subsided. The repetition and familiarity of working out began to dissolve her anxiety, bit by bit.
Similarly, Trevino said her anxiety diminished over time, but not without effort. She forced herself, and a friend, to go to the gym every single day. The presence of a supportive companion made all the difference; for her it provided a safety net when her anxiety threatened to take over.
“I started off going by myself and that was my biggest mistake at first because it heightened my anxiety,” Trevino said.“Start off small with exercises, don’t start off with a huge routine and slowly add on when you get more comfortable and start with a friend.”
Today, both Trevino and Dolley are regulars at the gym. The two said they were glad to have found ways to work around their anxiety.
Gym anxiety is largely a mental battle. The reality is that most people at the gym share the same goal: to improve themselves and become healthier. However, the paranoia — the fear of being watched, judged or failing — can keep people stuck at the threshold, with one foot in and one foot out.
“Everyone is going there to try and better themselves,” communication senior Jared Shult said. “Myself and many other gym-goers are happy to help anyone out who is new.”
One of the most common sources of anxiety is the fear of the unknown — stepping into a gym without knowing where the machines are located or how to use them. Shult said it can be helpful to do research before working out and to have a plan of exercises you would like to do at the gym. Having those plans can significantly ease those first time jitters.
“Part of the anxiety is figuring out what to do but there are lots of resources on YouTube,” Shult said. “In today’s day and age, you could always ask ChatGPT for help.”
Conquering gym anxiety is about more than just pushing through; it’s about being prepared, finding support and reminding yourself that everyone else is on a similar journey. With time, patience and the right mindset, the gym can transform from a place of fear into a sanctuary of strength.
STEP TO IT
Let’s incorporate working out and healthy living into daily life
Story by Sydnei Miles, Managing Editor
Photo by Laura McClintock, Photo Director
Too much to do and not enough time to do it. Class. Homework. Work. Meetings. Study. Repeat. And by the time the day has ended, you find that all time for self-prioritization has slipped through the cracks and all you want to do is rot in bed and revel in your favorite TV series. Finding time for physical activity and the gym becomes increasingly hard when everyday life becomes more hectic. But, what if I told you, you’re overthinking it? Daily body movement can be incorporated into everyday obligatory activities. Even if you don’t have time for the gym or a workout, it’s important to still be moving your body as much as possible. If you’re not picking up what I’m putting down, keep reading and take this self-assessment to better understand. By the end of this quiz, you should know how you can better squeeze physical activity into your everyday life. If your score is 16 or above,
Photo by Laura McClintock, Photo Director
Story by Kaleb Blizzard, The Battalion Opinion Writer
Make no mistake: All people start as bad texters. It’s inevitable, and I’m sure we can agree that we were all probably very annoying when we got our first phones. Most grow out of that sooner — others later. I grew out of it later.
That sucks for me, but if you’re reading this, you’re probably too good at texting. Maybe you don’t like that guy who always has to text you every night (but only after midnight). Or maybe you want to get rid of this girl who is constantly bothering you with one text after the other, blowing up your phone at the most inconvenient moments (why can’t she just put it all in one message?).
Nonetheless, your effortless charisma and texting charm keep them on the hook, no matter what you say or do. Blocking them would be too rude, obviously, so you can’t do that.
I’m here to fix your problem.
In a few easy steps, I’m going to show you how to get rid of your situationship in ten days or less. Make no mistake, you may cringe, you may struggle to hit send or you may not even be able to go through with my plan at all. But I can guarantee — from personal experience no less — that if you faithfully follow this plan, whoever is on the other end of the line will never want to speak to you again.
Day 1: Start Doing RWR (Read, Wait, Reply)
This first tip is absurdly obvious to most of us, but if you’re so cluelessly good at texting that you haven’t even thought of this, it’s important to know. You should ALWAYS leave read receipts on when texting. Why? Because you need to establish one fact very clearly: Other people’s texts are not your problem.
You probably have the instinct to be nice and reply to any texts you get fairly quickly, but that’s not a good idea when you’re trying to get ghosted. Instead, do this: Read the text (with read receipts on), wait at least five or six hours, and then reply. It’s a simple thing to do, but it will help make the other person start questioning if you’re interested and get the ball rolling on your future ghosting.
Day 2: Vocabulary Lesson: Ok, Yeah and No
An important part of being a good texter is responding to texts completely and thoroughly. Instead, start Day 2 by learning these three words: ok, yeah and no. These words will now comprise 50% of your vocabulary. Let me give you an example:
Them: “Hey, how were your classes today”
You: “Ok”
Them: “yeah classes weren’t great for me either. My professor started off the class with a random pop quiz. Like WTF? you don’t just give random pop quizzes on the second day of class. At least let us read the syllabus lmao”
You: “yeah” (maybe add lol for a touch of humor)
It’s simple. Don’t show interest, and you won’t get interest. Honestly, you might get someone to ghost you just by using more “ok,” “yeah” and “no” than they want to bear. But you probably still need the other steps.
Day 3: TikTok Spam
You probably know someone who seems like they live their life on TikTok or Instagram Reels. How do you know this? Because they let you know. These people spend hours a day
watching, curating and sending videos to you, often with no context or relevance to anything you say or do.
They may be annoying to you, but take a page from their playbook — and use it to your advantage. Spam your situationship partner with constant TikToks and Reels that are confusing, irrelevant or — even better — disturbing.
The best part about this is that you can ignore what I told you on Day 1 when sending these videos. Literally any time works. Send them at all hours, in all circumstances and in all forms.
Day 4: Interesting Questions
By this point, whoever you want to ghost you has probably become confused and irritated. But if they really like you, maybe they’re still holding on to some hope. The one thing that bothers hopeless romantics the most is mixed signals, so that’s what you’re going to give them.
Start the day by asking questions.
Here’s the catch though: Your questions have to be specific yet also boring. You have to sound interested at first, but ultimately, your questions have to lead to nowhere. If they ask you a follow-up question or say “what about you?” then you have to answer as nonchalantly as you can. Ideally, it will be with one of the words I taught you on Day 2. This will give the person just enough hope to think that maybe there’s still a chance but confuse them enough to frustrate them even more.
Day 5: …
Don’t say anything today.
Day 6: I’m so sorry
Begin this day with an overly verbose and extreme apology. To make it easy on you, I have included three quotes that you should have in your first text of the day:
“Omg im so sorry, I didn’t even realize you texted me yesterday.”
“i know I’ve been acting weird recently, ive just felt off. I don’t know what it is but i just have felt out of it. Im sorry lol”
“I do like you and I think it’s great when we hang out. maybe we should set something up in person?”
Of course, these three things are also true:
You saw their text. They know it, I know it and you know it.
You don’t feel off at all. You just don’t care.
You are busy next week. And the week after that. And the one after that. And so on.
You can also send other apologies throughout the day. The point of these messages is to make the person you’re talking to mad while taking advantage of their politeness. They feel obligated to accept your apology, but you’re aware that it’s not really sincere at all. It’s a genius strategy, but I think there are still a few more steps.
Day 7: Day 5
Refer back to Day 5.
Day 8: Apologies Round 2
Today will be a lot like Day 6, but you’re going to double down on the apologies. Make your apology twice as intense. Promise that you’ll get a day lined up to hang out. Tell them you’re for real this time. Really, you can say anything in order to get them to believe you.
However, they probably won’t believe what you’re saying. That’s OK, and it’s probably preferable. Almost 99% of people will probably have stopped talking to you at this point. In that case, you’ve succeeded! But if not, don’t despair; the next two days will be sure to permanently put a stop to things.
Day 9: Enter Your Detective Era
This day is the first one that starts at midnight. Begin by dressing in all black. Make sure to bring a camera, hood, trenchcoat and a car that isn’t very loud (or you can walk). Park around the block and pay a visit to wherever the person who is texting you lives. Make sure to take photos of as much as you can: the person’s house/apartment/dorm, their front door, any windows they might have and their mailbox. Do not cause any disturbances.
Once the person wakes up, send a nice good morning message. Then, casually ask them where they live. They’ll probably tell you the name of the apartment complex or the general area where they are. Respond by sending them your photos and asking if that’s where their place is.
For some reason, people don’t like when you take pictures of their stuff at night. Honestly, it’s something I still don’t get. If you can’t stop texting me, I’m going to do something about it.
Day 10: Congratulations!
By this point, you should have been ghosted! Congratulations! You have successfully completed my ten-day guide!
Maybe there’s one person in the world who’s still willing to text you after all of this. If that’s the case, you probably should just marry them or something. Clearly, there’s nothing you can do to stop them. Whatever the case, it’s not my problem.
Photo by Laura McClintock, Photo Director
A guide to self love
PARTY OF ONE
Photo by Laura McClintock, Photo Director
Story by Sydnei Miles, Managing Editor
Sick of begging for the bare minimum? Girl, quit waiting for a man to sweep you off your feet. Take matters into your own hands!
The art of self-love is a foreign one to many — well, at least that’s what it seems when our generation tends to hyper-focus on the pursuit of finding their person or “the one.” But I disagree; I’d argue self-love is just as important — and the key to that is dating yourself. Be comfortable with being alone. Grow closer to yourself, and take time to learn the intricacies of who you are. Learn how to embrace solitude. How can you know what you want if you don’t even know who you are?
Ask yourself the difficult questions: Do you like who you are? Are you happy? Are you self-aware of your own toxic traits? Does being by yourself scare you? Do you even know what you want out of life?
I know; the initial idea is intimidating. Going out alone and spending time with yourself can feel slightly terrifying, and, like, all eyes are on you. They’re not, I promise. Just do it. Don’t think about the perceptions because anyone who judges you is not in the position you want to be in.
Need help knowing where to start? Here’s five ways you can begin your journey of self-dating and jumpstart selfexploration.
Hang in there with me. I promise you’ll find an idea you love.
In a few weeks, you’ll not only be much more intentional when dating others — but you’ll also know exactly what to look for in others.
1. GO ON NEW ADVENTURES
Embracing new experiences is a way to learn more about yourself. Try new cuisines or new restaurants, take a pottery class, travel to an unfamiliar place — immerse yourself in new settings and uncover the things you like and don’t like. Expand your horizons and broaden your perspective; it’ll enrich your view of yourself and the world around you.
2. START A JOURNAL
So do yourself a favor. Stop rotting in bed, get dressed in your cutest outfit and GO OUT. Here are some local recommendations that will help you do just that.
Visit Polite Coffee: Go grab a cup of iced coffee and your favorite novel.
Take a stroll in Aggie Park: Take advantage of the nature around us. Become in tune with your body and mind, and enjoy the scenic sights A&M offers. I recommend going during sunset and taking in the serenity of the park. Maybe grab a bite of ice cream while you’re there!
Conduct some retail therapy: A little shopping never hurt anybody. Create a budget and go treat yourself to a few new clothes, house essentials or makeup goodies. HomeGoods and Target will always be my personal favorites.
Grab a cocktail: Take yourself out and treat yourself to a glass of wine or a cocktail. Messina Hof Winery, an award-winning local winery, has the perfect setting and ambiance that’ll let you bask in this experience of self-discovery — all while enjoying a nice glass of wine.
After all, how can you learn how to love another without first learning to love yourself?
3. TAKE A SPA DAY
You can’t be opposed to this one. Book a massage or a facial and relax. This is literally self-care. Allow yourself to be pampered and taken care of, and afterward, your mind, body and soul will feel replenished and refreshed.
Begin journaling. Soon enough you’ll understand yourself on an entirely deeper level. Spend quality time alone where you reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Sit in your feelings: the good, the bad and the ugly. Be honest with yourself and where you are. To maintain balance, create a gratitude section and keep track of what you’re grateful for.
4. PILATES
5. MAKE A VISION BOARD
Speak what you want into existence. Ask yourself what you want to achieve in the next year, and make a logical plan on how to do it. Whether it’s a digital or physical vision board, have fun with it! Plan a day, collect cute and aesthetic pictures and quotes, and dive deeper into your creativity while working toward your goals.
Book a workout class! My personal guilty pleasure is pilates. If it helps, classes like these usually have other people who are doing the exact same thing for the exact same reason. Move your body and isolate your focus on your physical growth and strength. Take that time to decompress and forget about everything your busy schedule demands.
IKick the awkwardness to the curb
Story by Lasan Ukwatta Liyanage, The Battalion L&A Writer
t’s time, college student No. 28484 — get out there! Listen: I know parties aren’t everyone’s forte, but trying new things never hurts anybody. And dating? Don’t even get me started on it. That’s why I’m proposing a new genre of party — a date party. Just kidding. They already exist, and they’re usually sponsored by fraternities, sororities or other student groups as social gatherings that invite guests to bring a companion — sometimes known as a date.
Date parties are all about fostering personal connections in a more intimate, lively setting than the typical large campus blowouts. The idea is simple: Bring along a date, whether it’s someone you’re already interested in or just starting to get to know. But it’s not all about romance — attendees often show up with close friends to keep the atmosphere low-pressure.
It’s an exciting place to socialize, meet new people and build connections, making them a beloved part of the college experience. Over the years, date parties have evolved from balls in London’s social seasons to frat parties downtown, but the core remains the same: Dressing up with someone you’re close with and diving into a night of dancing, laughter and memorable moments.
Like most things, it’s important to recognize a set of unwritten rules that vary based on personal experiences and cultural backgrounds. What may seem like common courtesy or fun to one person could be faux pas to another.
DO’s
When it comes to a date party, there are a few essential “do’s” that can turn a good night into a great one. First and foremost, nail the dress code — whether it’s a laid-back costume bash or a classy black-tie event, dressing appropriately shows you’re in the spirit of things. The right outfit doesn’t just make you look the part; it sets the vibe for the entire evening.
Respecting your date is equally as important. Whether you’re attending with a romantic interest or your best pal, make sure they feel valued. Engage with them, share the fun and ensure they’re as much a part of the night’s magic as you are.
Date parties are perfect opportunities to branch out and meet new people. Venture out, introduce yourself and strike up conversations. These events are as much about socializing as they are about having a good time with your date. However, as you make your way through the party, managing alcohol responsibly is key.
It’s easy to get swept up in the fun, but pacing yourself ensures that you stay in control and contribute to an atmosphere that’s light, carefree and enjoyable for everyone around you.
Agronomy graduate student Kasun Pathirage said she often controls the amount of alcohol she consumes at a date party.
“I went to a date party in February,” Pathirage said. “It was really fun. Definitely less alcohol because I did not want to fool around when my date is around. Also, I would not play risky games like Truth or Dare. I don’t want to drag any of my secrets out in the open by some random people before my date finds them out himself.”
Pathirage said she finds it essential that her date be on the same team during party games. It not only gives her more time to get to know her date but also helps balance the competitiveness, as working together as a team creates a more enjoyable and cooperative dynamic.
DONT’s
First and foremost, don’t overdrink — indulging too much can lead to embarrassing situations and spoil the fun for both you and your companions. Secondly, avoid being disrespectful; rudeness or inconsiderate behavior towards your date or other guests can create an uncomfortable atmosphere and ruin the night.
Don’t monopolize the conversation. Give your date and others a chance to share their thoughts. Keeping the dialogue balanced ensures everyone feels valued and included. Avoid dismissing cultural nuances. Being mindful of different social customs can enhance the experience and ensure that everyone feels included and respected. Lastly, don’t forget your manners; saying please and thank you goes a long way in creating a positive atmosphere.
Data engineering junior Randil Wijayananda said he is eager to try it for the first time.
“I want to see what it’s actually like [to] meet some new people outside of class,” Wijayananda said. “Having familiar faces around will make it easier to navigate the social scene while being open to meeting new people.”
Date parties are a blend of tradition and personal interpretation that make each experience unique. What’s “right” or “wrong” at these gatherings is often subjective, and that’s what keeps the conversation around them so interesting.
That’s all to say — give it a try if given the opportunity!
Photo provided by Sydney Hale, Social Media Manager
DATING DICTIONARY Everything you need to know
Story by Charis Adkins, The Battalion Opinion Editor
Hey there, sugar. I heard you need some help on the vocabulary side of dating. Well, you came to the right place. I’ve been on no fewer than 87 dates with no more than 86 people, so I know a little something about something, if you know what I mean.
Bae
noun, [ bey ]
A nickname to call your significant other; see also baby, honey, sweetie, pookie, pooh-bear, pudding pie, muffin, tatertot.
“Bae just made me tacos.”
Beige flag
noun, [ beyzh flag ]
Not quite a green flag, but not a red one either; for example, ironing their jeans, saying “we’re halfway there” every time somebody says “whoa” or playing the Aggie War Hymn as their wake-up alarm every morning.
“My boyfriend’s beige flag is that he eats Gumby’s pepperoni rolls with a fork and knife.”
Breadcrumbing
noun/verb, [ bred-kruhm-ing ]
Leading someone on by dropping tiny nuggets of interest here and there, giving them just enough attention to keep them hooked; a method frequently used by toxic would-be lovers and professors who don’t want to do their jobs.
“This professor is literally breadcrumbing me, he keeps answering my emails with ‘K.’”
Catfishing
noun/verb, [ kat-fish ]
Particularly in dating apps or online, the use of edited or otherwise misleading images to bait potential romantic partners into relationships.
“I matched with Kyler Fife on Tinder! We’re meeting up tomorrow!”
“Girl that’s definitely a catfish, he’s got boot chasers for days.”
Cuffing season
noun, [ kuhf-ing see-zuhn]
The time of year when the weather starts to turn and people begin looking for a short-term partner with whom to stave off the seasonal depression — it doesn’t work, usually crumbling around Valentine’s Day.
“It’s cuffing season! Time to find my bae for Christmas.”
Gaslighting
n/a
What? This isn’t a real word. You probably made it up at some point.
“Gaslighting is not a real word.”
Ghosting
noun/verb, [ gohst-ing ]
Leaving someone on ‘read,’ or not responding to a person after a history of conversation; see page 11 for an in-depth guide.
“‘How to get ghosted in 10 days’ helped me escape the endless small talk phase on Tinder.”
Pickup Line
noun, [ pik-uhp lahyn ]
One of many overutilized ways to try to pick up potential romantic partners; often include suggestive, sometimes lewd content with very low success rates on Northgate.
“Hey baby, are you an Aggie? Cause I’ll have you yelling at midnight.”
Ring by Spring
noun, [ ring bahy spring ]
A phrase used both by women who want to get married before graduation and Aggies hoping to graduate on time.
“If I don’t get my ring by spring, my parents are gonna kill me.”
Rizz
noun/verb, [ riz ]
Short for charisma; possessing innate charm or what the kids call game; often prefaced by sister slang “Ohio” or “Skibidi.”
“Is Baby Gronk the new Drip King, or is he just getting rizzed up by Livvy Dunn?”
Situationship
noun, [ sich-oo-ey-shuhn-ship ]
A term used by people who don’t want to label their relationship a relationship, the usage of which, ironically, labels it a relationship.
“It’s like we’re together, but also not … it’s just a situationship, I guess.”
Photo by Laura McClintock, Photo Director
Photo by Laura McClintock, Photo Director
‘THE CHEERS OF BBQ’
Story by Zoe May, Editor in Chief
So, a reporter and a photographer walk into a BBQ joint…
The smell of smoked brisket permeates the air as country music blasts from an unknown place above.
A guy stands behind the bar mixing “Katy’s best frozen margarita.” Kids break off from their parents, entranced by the plethora of games awaiting them: giant Jenga, Connect 4, checkers and more. Behind the counter, patrons are greeted by a smiling face behind the register and the sounds of a knife hitting the cutting board in a comforting rhythm. But more than the sum of its parts, laughter fills the space as regulars greet one another, and the wooden walls welcome customers home.
This is the world Managing Partner Jaqueline Herrera and titular jack of all trades Brett Jackson have created: Brett’s BBQ Shop. And it’s better than any punchline.
Jackson’s journey with barbecue has been a long and “crazy” journey that began far before the existence of the Brett’s BBQ patrons enjoy today. Jackson had what he called “learning experiences” at locations in east Downtown Houston and Midtown, before taking a step back from the barbeque world. A move that would forever change his future.
“I worked for a catering company for a while, which is where I met Jacqueline,” Jackson said. “We were doing different things, but working for the same people, and that’s when we decided to start a thing called Freedom Barbecue, which was a pop-up, and we did that for about a year and a half.”
Herrera laughed at the story, having forgotten that part of the story over time. Wanting to return to his home industry, Jackson began the search for an investor. With little in the way of luck, Jackson said he took the leap and purchased a place on Mason Road.
“I could afford the rent and get a start where we’re actually in a building, at brick and mortar,” Jackson said. “Jacqueline said she’d come help for a couple weeks to help get everything started, and six years later, we’re still here.”
Photo by Laura McClintock, Photo Director
Photos by Laura McClintock, Photo Director
Brett’s BBQ: Where everybody knows your name
Herrera’s story is a little different. Moving to Texas in 2016 from Boston, her background consisted mostly of full-service restaurants and fine dining. Herrera said barbecue, specifically Texas barbecue, was so different from anything she’d ever done.
“My intention was not to ever work in barbecue,” Herrera said. “I was just super excited that this guy [Jackson] was going to do this, and I knew he’s going to need help with the business side of things. So, I’ll get a foundation in place, get some people hired and then get him off to the races, so to speak, right? And obviously I never left.”
What sucked Herrara in? The people, the food and the combination of the two.
“I had never, ever seen it like Texas barbecue made it happen,” Herrera said. “So, I started running the register, and I don’t know, it was just amazing. It was insane. I had never experienced anything like it. And then I got to know people, and loved the barbecue and the whole smoking science behind it. And the obsession with Texas barbecue, I became obsessed with, and that was it.”
The smoking science Herrera referred to is more than a phrase; there is an academic skill set that accompanies barbecuing between an in-depth understanding of how fats break down to temperature and wrap decisions. The hardest part? There is no one way to do it.
“You’ll hear the question, fat side out or fat side down,” Herrera said. “If that question is asked in a certain room full of people, people will fight. It’s crazy. That’s Texas barbecue.”
But more than the technicality, for professionals like Jackson, work is a combination of hard labor and delicate decision making. From trimming the meat, hours of smoking, and chopping and stacking wood to the choice of the kind of wood and how it affects the meat. Even the slightest change can result in a completely different smoke — hickory or mesquite or oak. So, how does Brett’s BBQ keep their meat consistent with so many variables? Well, that’s a tale as old as time.
“We have our rotisserie, the beauty,” Jackson said. “It’s great for everything, but I don’t like brisket on it. Our beast is about a 50-year-old pit that I inherited from the place that I took over on Mason Road. It’s the most
inefficient, wood guzzling, expensive pit, but I can’t get rid of it, it would have been sacrilege. And it cooks briskets better than anything I’ve ever cooked briskets on before.”
The heart of Brett’s BBQ is more than its beast, it exists firmly in the staff and customers who fill the building with life. The staff in question is quite small; Herrera said it is the tiniest staff in the area to her knowledge. But why keep it so minimal even in the face of need? Herrera had one answer: consistency.
“The same faces are here every single day, and you have to be giving that consistent customer service experience along with that consistent barbecue,” Herrera said. “We’ve been so successful with this model, even in this giant new place, by keeping a small staff that we don’t turn over. I mean, the girl on the register that you can order from, we hired her the summer before we opened. Summer of 2022 we hired her, and we opened in January of 2023. She waited to work here and she’s been here since.”
However, a small team in a large establishment does have its drawbacks. In order to meet the needs of the business and the customers, the intimacy Herrera and Jackson had enjoyed at their smaller location has taken a hit.
“We were always out,” Jackson said about their time at the old location. “I was on the block, she was on the register, and even if one of us weren’t there, there was nowhere you could go in that place where you weren’t next to somebody. So, I do miss that.
“We try and instill it here, and I think we do a good job for how big this is. It’s just that Cheers atmosphere. I like to get behind the bar sometimes because I’m not out front with people and that gives me the opportunity to mingle with a guest.”
Barbecue originated as a community, often congregated after church on Sundays, Jackson said, and Texas goes out of their way to instill that in the culture of barbecue.
“I mean, look around,” Herrera said. “There’s games everywhere. We want families. We want people to come, put their tablet down, get a margarita, go sit and they do. Long after they’re done eating, they’re still here drinking and playing games.”
Beyond the atmosphere, what makes Brett’s BBQ who they are, is their innovative dishes that step outside of the traditional barbecue plate. From hot chicken to asianinspired dishes to TexMex, Brett’s BBQ tackles them all.
“We realized we were going to be here a million hours a week,” Herrera said. “Where are you going to be going to eat all of the stuff that we like to eat? So, we just might as well start doing it here.”
In the words of Herrera, the only thing Brett’s BBQ worries about being consistent is the meat. Everything else relies on flexibility and can be changed at the drop of a hat if it stops working or the team loses passion for it.
“The creation, the art side of cooking, that is what continues to drive me to want to do more things,” Jackson said. “We’ll never stop learning. It’s impossible to ever stop learning.”
With a week’s menu flipping between dollar wings, brisket enchiladas, gochujang pork ribs, pork belly bao buns, cheeseburgers and more, Brett’s BBQ prides itself on being approachable for any family regardless of preference.
“Barbecue these days is so high in cost that people can’t just go out and eat barbecue all the time,” Jackson said. “So, having different options on the menu at different price points that appeals to a much broader audience is what we’ve been trying to do.”
The future of Brett’s? Expansion into new concepts, Jackson said, this way the barbecue stays consistent and the team is free to pursue new passions like a pizza parlor.
But first, tacos.
“Taco Tuesday starting Oct. 1, here,” Herrera said. “No barbecue, just a taco menu. When you walk in, there’s going to be Spanish music, looking like Mexico, margaritas, and there’s going to be a michelada bar. It’s going to be amazing. Nine to three on Tuesdays. We’re going to do it for five Tuesdays in October.”
And hopefully, Herrera and Jackson said, the project will turn into its own place where they can build a whole new community with the same culture and passion as Brett’s BBQ.
Photo by Adriano Espinosa, The Battalion Photographer
ROSENTHAL’S ROLE
Campus meat center features tailgate must-haves
Story by Jordyn Joseph, Staff Writer
Everybody knows that Aggie football game days are a big deal in College Station — but do you know the impact Rosenthal has on tailgate culture?
Rosenthal Meat Center is a butcher shop located on West Campus at Texas A&M. It’s widely known for its high quality, fresh meats and intensive, hands-on learning experiences it offers Aggies, but Rosenthal’s role around tailgates is more than noteworthy as well.
Rosenthal sales coordinator Ally Lott said the center features products meant specifically for tailgate season — like the Aggie sausage poppers — and that they try to make it as easy as possible for tailgaters.
“On game days, we sell a lot of our sausage products that go through the overnight smokers because they’re precooked, and all you have to do is throw them on the grill,” Lott said. “Those go pretty quick on game days.”
Despite Rosenthal’s intense game-day schedule, Lott said they’re able to “get it knocked out” with the help of only three student workers because they prepare days in advance.
“Usually on Thursdays and Fridays before a home game, we’re really busy because we have to fill up 40-pound boxes with only beef jerky since it sells so quickly,” Lott said. “It’s very time consuming.”
Lott also credited the student workers in the back of Rosenthal who cut and prepare products for distribution, as she said it’s a team effort.
“The guys in the back will get the ribeyes ready for us because we can’t keep them frozen as well as all of our sausage products,” Lott said. “It’s usually all-hands-on-deck that Thursday and Friday.”
Lott said Rosenthal receives constant positive feedback from tailgaters as they continue to purchase meat from the center.
“Tailgaters tend to come back a week or two later, and they buy the exact same thing they got the first time — except they buy a lot more the second time,” Lott said.
Agribusiness junior Kyla Beck is a student worker at Rosenthal and a member of A&M’s Meat Judging Team. Beck said Rosenthal is a great resource for large tailgates in need of meat, too.
“At the McNeese game, we had a giant tailgate for our meat judging reunion, and we had Aggies from across the nation from many years ago come back,” Beck said. “We actually got brisket from Rosenthal, and we cooked tacos for over 250 people.”
Beck said the meat industry deserves more attention, especially considering its impact on not only tailgates — but the community as a whole.
“Not a lot of people shine light on the meat industry because it’s behind the scenes, but it’s one of the largest background industries of food supply,” Beck said. “And it’s important for people to know about.”
The ins and outs to finding your way around a grill
Nothing says “Texas” more than the savory taste of barbecue, and, here in Aggieland, you’ll find no lack when it comes to southern cuisine. But what about when it comes to making your own barbecue? Sure, you could go to a restaurant, but there's nothing that beats the taste of home cooking — not to mention all the customization available when making your own barbecue. Even if you have dietary restrictions, have no fear — you’ll be able to craft your cooking to your own liking.
One of the most important things is the food you will be barbecuing. Whether it be meats or vegetables, there’s an endless variety of ingredients to choose from. Barbecue is used to describe the process for cooking meats, so “barbecued vegetables” are actually referred to as grilled veggies.
The next step is the cooking itself. Typically, barbecue is cooked by grilling on an open flame, and a barbecue grill, like a barbecue kettle or a barbecue barrel, is common. Use long tongs and spatulas to avoid getting into close contact with the flames, and a thermometer will come in handy when checking meat’s internal temperature. Overcooking will give you dry meat — and undercooking will get people sick. If using a charcoal grill instead of a gas grill, make sure you have something that can start a fire, like a lighter or matches — but avoid using lighter fluid or charcoal containing it because it can alter the barbecue’s taste.
I also recommend that you get a charcoal chimney, as it’ll help light the charcoal you’ll use for grilling. Lastly, make sure you have a grill grate brush on hand to clean off the grates when necessary.
After securing everything you’ll need for open-flame grilling, you’ll need to take the most important step of all: starting the fire. It’s an easy task, but there are a few steps you’ll want to follow to ensure a proper flame. When using a barbecue kettle and chimney, fill it with charcoal and place it on top of a place. It’ll release white smoke that will eventually turn clear, a sign it’s
ready for grilling.
A few pieces of smoking wood can be added to the charcoal for a smokey flavor if preferred — which you should. Once everything is ready, you can start adding meat and veggies to the grill. For meat, make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it cooks properly.
If you don’t have access to a barbecue grill or fire-making materials, then have no fear! An oven or a pan can achieve similar results. Trust me — the oven method is what I used when barbequing chicken breasts.
To prepare barbecue in an oven or pan:
Season the meat before cooking and allow it to marinate for four to 24 hours if possible. If you are short on time, then marinating for at least an hour will be fine — just let it sit for a little.
After marinating, place the meat into a preheated oven or heated pan. My chicken demanded an oven preheated to 425 F and 45 minutes to spare, but the temperature and time spent sitting in the heat box will depend on the meat being prepared.
Once the meat is cooked, that’s it! In front of you should sit — if you followed everything correctly — a delicious platter of barbecue ready to devour.
If you’re wondering what kind of seasoning to use, a meat rub, various herbs and onion or garlic powder work wonders. Feel free to add your own twist as well — besides powders, barbecue sauce can transform a meal. Want to make your own so it fits your taste perfectly? Even better! The basic ingredients are just ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, worcestershire sauce and salt, plus any other ingredients you prefer, such as chili powder, chipotle peppers or even honey. The flavor combinations are endless — and for good reason. Sauce can make or break a barbecue. But hey, the author of this story is the head chef of a Michelin star-winning restaurant in the middle of New York — and definitely not a college student — so you won’t need to worry about breaking anything.
Story by Isa Chan Tack, The Battalion L&A Writer
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BBQ FOR BEGINNERS
Photo
Laura McClintock, Photo Director
