Houston District Family Owned Small Business of the Year: Marie and Justin Bock – Ryan’s Smokehouse
Marie and Justin Bock are the owners of Ryan’s Smokehouse, a quick-service restaurant, serving BBQ smoked meats with traditional sides and desserts in Webster, Texas. When Marie Bock’s aunt was looking to retire after 24 years of putting her heart into her restaurant, it was a perfect fit for Marie and Justin Bock. Between Marie’s yearning to keep the business in the family and Justin’s 25 years of restaurant experience – they made the BIG move to Houston from South Dakota!
To prepare for small business ownership, Justin worked with Marie’s aunt for approximately one year prior to purchasing Ryan’s Smokehouse in order to understand the full scale of the restaurant and its recipes. Overall, this was an essential component to pass down the family tradition.
Additionally, Marie and Justin received assistance from the San Jacinto College Small Business Development Center, working with Business Advisor Rob Carlson. Mr. Carlson worked with the couple on the transition of taking over the restaurant by providing small business resources and guidance for all facets of becoming new business owners. Over the past 3 years, Ryan’s Smokehouse has steadily increased sales by 15-20% annually, also increasing their employee count from one to seven employees. Mr. Carlson is currently helping with additional finance options for expansion of a second location.
Marie and Justin Bock attribute the growth of their business to a strategic focus of being more involved in their community – from Epicurean events (Webster Park 4th of July, Taste of Space, Southbelt Evening of Cuisine, and Bites of the Bay) to the Ketjen Family Fishing Tournament, they love their community and are very proud to be able to contribute. Ryan’s Smokehouse was also included in the “America’s Best Restaurants” episode airing in April 2025. Overall, a true reflection of the legacy started by Marie’s aunt and continuing with the Bock’s.
Keeping the restaurant in the family has been important to the Bock’s. With their son already working full-time at the restaurant and being trained to run the business in the future, this is a family heritage they intend to pass along to their children – and many generations to come.
Due to their continued success, Ryan’s Smokehouse is the recipient of the 2026 Houston District Family Owned Small Business of the Year award.