Some small businesses are more than places to eat or shop. They become an extension of the people who own them—and the communities they serve.
I recently sat down with Kevin Mason, owner and pitmaster of Lonestar Sausage & BBQ, and what began as a conversation about barbecue quickly became a conversation about service, faith, community and entrepreneurship.
Long before Lonestar, Kevin was a student-athlete at the University of Houston, where he played wide receiver during an unforgettable era of Cougar football that included Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware. After his playing career ended, Kevin entered law enforcement and spent more than two decades serving with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Eventually, another passion began calling.
Kevin started making sausage at home while still working in law enforcement. What began as something for family and friends grew into Lonestar Sausage in 2016 and, eventually, a neighborhood restaurant. Today, Lonestar is especially known for its handmade sausages—including an old-school Beaumont-style beef link that preserves a style of Houston-area barbecue that has become increasingly difficult to find.
But during our conversation, Kevin made clear that food is only part of the story.
He described Lonestar as a Christian-based business and spoke about the restaurant as a form of ministry—an opportunity to meet people where they are, serve them a meal and hopefully make an impact beyond the food itself. In Kevin’s view, the transition from law enforcement to barbecue did not end his commitment to service; it simply changed how that service looks.
Our conversation also turned to something that deserves more attention: what it actually takes to keep a small business alive.
Kevin spoke candidly about the financial pressures facing independent restaurants and the difficulty small businesses can encounter accessing the capital needed to grow. He talked about wanting more space and greater capacity while also confronting the reality that neighborhood businesses don’t always have access to the same financial resources as larger operations.
At the same time, he hasn’t lost sight of the customers outside his door. Kevin talked about seeing people in the surrounding community who simply need a good meal and about the challenge of keeping food affordable when the business itself is facing higher costs.
That balance—serving people while keeping the doors open—is one of the realities behind small-business ownership that customers don’t always get to see.
And that’s exactly why I wanted Small Business Spotlight to be part of The CD 29 Connection.
Small businesses aren’t simply entries on a map. Behind them are people taking risks, creating jobs, preserving traditions, serving their neighbors and trying to build something that can last.
Kevin Mason’s journey has taken him from Houston Cougar, to law-enforcement officer, to entrepreneur and pitmaster. The setting has changed, but service remains a recurring thread.
And as one Cougar talking about another, I couldn’t finish this story without saying:
Go Coogs! 🐾
Oh—and one personal recommendation.
Go on Thursday and try the rib tips. I’ve had them. 😂
VISIT LONESTAR SAUSAGE & BBQ
13712 Walters Road, Suite 140, Houston, TX 77014
Phone: (346) 316-1154
Known for: Handmade sausage, smoked meats and Thursday rib tips
Learn more: Lonestar-Sausage.com
Photo Highlights
