Nocona Highschool senior finds future in BBQ

NOCONA, Texas (KAUZ) - Some use cooking as a hobby, but for Josiah Messer it’s more than just that. Entering into high school, Josiah was unsure where he fit in. That was until a new passion ignited his flame and fueled his passion.

“I wasn’t into the sport programs or anything like that I wanted to have something and I found barbecue and that’s what I’ve stuck with,” Messer said.

In just two years Josiah lead the Nocona BBQ team to state as pit master. Deanna, his mother and teacher, said when the students had questions they came to Josiah. She also said his barbecue is incomparable to your everyday restaurant.

“Whenever we go out to eat I don’t want to order brisket or ribs or pork loins because when you’ve had his [cooking] the other stuff just doesn’t taste the same,” Deanna Messer said.

Competing at the state level was just a stepping stone for Josiah. His ambitions started growing towards bigger competitions, where he consistently won. But, even then his appetite wasn’t full.

“Me and my cousin got together and I was like, ‘Hey, I think I want to start a barbecue business’ and he’s like, ‘Alright lets go.” And i was like, ‘just like that?’ He’s like, ‘Yea lets do it,’” Josiah Messer said.

The two invested in a custom smoker and created their business, Messer’s Chophouse. Success found this high school senior early, earning him multiple brand sponsors. But still, Josiah is not done yet.

“It was not like a light walk or nothing. We were in a full sprint trying to get this business started and keep it growing and we haven’t stopped.” Josiah Messer said.

From backyard smoke to catering, Messer’s Chophouse still strives for greatness by going across the state filling plates and hearts one by one.