Celebration of Memer’s 104th Birthday Includes Complimentary Slices of Her Signature Buttermilk Pie at All Locations
Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, a staple of North Texas for more than 50 years, will commemorate the life and legacy of family matriarch Mary Alice ‘Memer’ Hallett with a heartfelt tribute on what would have been her 104th birthday, May 20, 2025. In honor of Memer’s enduring influence on the Soulman’s menu and mission, the first 101 guests at each of the 20 Soulman’s Bar-B-Que locations will receive a complimentary slice of her famous buttermilk pie with their dine-in meal, while supplies last.
Mary Alice Hallett, affectionately known as "Memer" by family and friends, was the heart of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que when it first opened its doors in Pleasant Grove on October 19, 1974. Her homemade recipes helped shape the foundation of the beloved barbecue brand. From side dishes to desserts, Memer’s Southern culinary flair has been a central part of the Soulman’s story for generations.
"Memer wasn’t just a wonderful cook—she was the soul behind Soulman’s,” said Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman’s Bar-B-Que. “Her signature buttermilk pie is more than just a dessert. It’s a symbol of the love, tradition, and comfort that Soulman’s brings to the table. We’re proud to honor her memory in a way that connects with so many of our loyal guests, some of whom have been dining with us since the beginning."
Guests visiting any Soulman’s location on May 20 are encouraged to share their own stories and memories of family, food, and tradition using the hashtag #SliceOfMemer on social media. The company will also feature vintage photos and a special tribute video on its digital platforms to celebrate Memer’s life and legacy.
“This day is about more than free pie—it’s about the power of family recipes and the stories they carry,” added Randle. “We hope our guests will take a moment to savor the past while creating new memories with loved ones at Soulman’s.”
About Soulman’s Bar-B-Que
For 50 years, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has satisfied the hardest to please bar-b-que lovers….Texans! Founded in Pleasant Grove, Texas, in 1974, Soulman’s had only a few simple goals—serve great Texas-style BBQ and offer friendly, sincere service. With a focus on Faith, Food, and Family, Soulman’s passed-down recipes are still the foundation for the company’s success from their 8 different types of meat that are smoked “low & slow” over only hickory wood to their famous homemade sides, including Ranch house beans and Texas style cream corn! Throughout the years, this family-owned and operated company has remained true to its original strive for success and customer satisfaction and is honored to be considered one of the Best Regional Barbecue Chains to Try at Least Once (2025), Best Roadside Restaurants in America (2024), Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2024), the Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout & Delivery (2020), and one of the Best Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2018).
Soulman’s currently owns and operates 20 North and East Texas locations in Allen, Cedar Hill, Fort Worth, Forney, Garland, Greenville, Hurst Grapevine Highway, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mabank, Mansfield, Mesquite, Quinlan, Red Oak, Rockwall I-30, Rockwall Goliad, Royse City, Sulphur Springs, Terrell, and Van. To learn more about Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, visit them online at https://www.soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.