Located in between PNC Stadium and Minute Maid Park, Cobo’s BBQ has become a go-to spot for those looking for a bite before or after Houston Dynamo FC, Houston Dash and Astros games. Owned by Raul Jacobo, Cobo for short, the business recently moved from Atascocita, Texas to the heart of EaDo.
"Sports traffic is probably 80 percent of our business, to be honest with you,” Jacobo shared with the Houston Dash. “It's night and day three hours before an Astros, Dynamo or Dash game.”
Described by Jacobo as a “prime location,” Cobo’s BBQ is in the perfect spot to represent Houston. Between game days at home and on the road, the restaurant has become a perfect spot for Houston sports fans to come cheer on their team no matter where they’re playing.
Jacobo has always loved cooking, starting when he was only 12 years old. He would always cook for family functions growing up, something ingrained in him for as long as he can remember. However, cooking remained only a hobby until around 11 years ago.
“Corporate wasn't my thing anymore and just went into this headfirst,” Jacobo explained. “We started selling barbeque in the backyard, started selling outside bars and at pop-up events.”
Soon enough, Jacobo and his wife, Monica, were able to afford a concessions trailer, allowing them to work catered events and park their business at car wash parking lots. Cobo’s BBQ grew to a point where Jacobo could open a stand on Atascocita Road with an outdoor seating area.
Now, Cobo’s is proudly in business in the middle of all the action in the Bayou City.
“It’s definitely night and day from what we were doing before and we're embracing it,” Jacobo said on moving the business downtown. “We're just running with it, trying to make the best of it and trying to make the city proud.”
Jacobo knows he’s not alone in his mission. In fact, he’s quick to mention how diverse Houston’s food scene is and how much respect he has for his fellow business owners.
“I have a lot of respect for people in this industry. I know how hard it is to make things work to keep on pushing and just to believe in yourself,” he said. “I really try to support fellow small businesses. We definitely need the support from everybody.”
Cobo’s BBQ is located at 2012 Rusk Street and open from 11-10 p.m. during the week and until midnight on Saturday and Sunday.
