i. Biography
The Climb
Since 2012, Alison Clem has taken over and built la Barbecue from a food trailer of la Barbecue, serving as chef/owner and director of operations and co-owner. That work sits in the ordinary discipline of barbecue: staying close to the fire, keeping the line moving, and holding the standard day after day. In Texas barbecue, the difference between a stop and an institution is often persistence, and Clem’s record is built on that kind of accumulation. Ownership in barbecue means managing flavor and logistics at the same time. With Alison Clem in the role of chef/owner and director of operations and co-owner, la Barbecue has been shaped by both kitchen judgment and operational control. Since 2012, she has kept the place grounded in the traditions and demands of Texas barbecue while building a clear identity for the operation.
Today
Texas barbecue is Alison Clem’s specialty. The work asks for long smoke times, tight timing, and consistent handling of meat, with little room for drift. In Clem’s case, the category is not just a menu label; it is the field in which technique, instinct, and discipline have to line up every service.
Signature
La Barbecue Brisket is among Alison Clem’s signature dishes. In Texas, brisket is a direct measure of a barbecue kitchen’s timing, texture, smoke, and judgment. Placing la Barbecue Brisket at the center of her signature work shows where Clem’s craft is most legible: in the most demanding, most recognizable expression of the style.
Recognition
Michelin Star is among Alison Clem’s honors. That recognition puts la Barbecue within a closely watched tier of barbecue operations and reflects the standing Clem has built since 2012. The award marks the level her work has reached while still pointing back to the same foundation: a food trailer of la Barbecue developed into an operation with a defined reputation.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Alison
What is Alison Clem's current role?
As of 2026, Alison Clem is Chef/Owner and Director of Operations.
What recognition has Alison Clem received?
Michelin Star (2025).
What is Alison Clem known for?
Texas barbecue.
