Photo Courtesy of Have Mercy BBQFood & Drink
Have Mercy BBQ taps Matt Keyser as executive chef
Things are heating up at Have Mercy BBQ — and it’s not just the smoked meats.
The family owned food trailer, known for its authentic Texas barbecue, is growing its team, naming longtime friend and fellow pitmaster Matt Keyser as executive chef.
Have Mercy BBQ is located at 17943 Grant Road in Cypress in the parking lot of the Country Corner Ice House.
“Matt is the real deal,” said David O’Brian, owner and pitmaster of Have Mercy BBQ. “He’s got the skill, creativity, and the fire to push our food forward while keeping everything our customers already love. This is a big step — and we’re just getting started.”
Keyser, 36, brings fresh culinary creativity to fuel the trailer’s next chapter, including overseeing its growing menu with elevated sides, hand-crafted desserts, and a new sausage program. O’Brian will continue leading the smokers, providing the savory, slow-smoked meats that loyal followers near and far have come to love.
Keyser isn’t a stranger to Have Mercy BBQ, having helped O’Brian run the trailer in the early days after opening in February 2023.
“Years ago, David and I made a pact that we would do whatever it took to help each other succeed in the barbecue world,” Keyser said. “The guy hustles harder than anyone I know, and what he’s built here is special. I’m proud to jump in and help it grow.”
Before joining Have Mercy BBQ, Keyser led the pits and sausage program at Bourbon Brothers BBQ in Magnolia, earning praise for his craftmanship and creative spins on traditional flavors. He now brings that same vision to the Have Mercy menu with plans for a rotating sausage of the month and new off-menu specials.
Keyser lives in The Woodlands with his wife and daughters. He begins Monday, June 16.
“We’ve got some big flavors and fun ideas on deck,” O’Brian said. “But at the end of the day, we’re all about putting soul into each dish and making people feel welcome.”
Have Mercy BBQ is a family owned food trailer run by David and Jennifer O’Brian, Cypress locals dedicated to serving up smoked meats and Southern hospitality with no shortcuts. Located at 17943 Grant Road in the parking lot of the Country Corner Ice House, Have Mercy BBQ has become a go-to for barbecue lovers across Northwest Houston.
Source: Have Mercy BBQ
