Frequently asked questions

Because great barbecue takes time, respect, and a whole lot of smoke. We ain't running a fast-food joint. We smoke every item Low N' Slow to perfection, which means we need to plan the pit and the wood well in advance. Pre-ordering is how we guarantee the quality and tenderness the Syndicate is known for.

We strongly recommend placing your order at least 7 days in advance for any of our specialty cuts (like the Whole Gator) or for large parties. For our holiday events (Christmas, New Year's Eve), those slots fill up faster than a pig in slop, so book those as soon as the menu goes live!

All orders are picked up at our main pit location at Legacy Acres Ranch, 5343 Almeda Genoa Rd, Houston, TX 77048. Your confirmation will include your exact pick-up date and time window. Please arrive promptly during your window so we can get your fresh-smoked goods into your hands right away!

Due to the time and labor required for our smoking process, orders canceled less than 48 hours before the scheduled pick-up time cannot be refunded. If you need to change your order or cancel, please give us a holler as soon as you can. Gator orders are final once ordered from the farm. No cancellations or refunds on Gator orders. Please be sure when ordering Whole Gators.

We use a blend of Texas post oak and hickory to achieve that signature Southside Flavor. It's all-wood fire, all the time. No gas, no shortcuts—just the pure, honest smoke that respects the meat.

All of our meats are typically sold whole and unsliced to help keep it juicy until you're ready to serve. We recommend slicing it fresh at your gathering.

To ensure you can serve the meat at its absolute best, most orders are sold hot-off-the-pit and perfectly wrapped for transport and resting. We'll give you clear instructions on how to slice, hold, and reheat (if necessary) to guarantee a tender result.

We're generous folks, but a good rule of thumb for smoked meat is about 1/2 pound (8 oz.) per adult. Our Smoked Whole Gators are typically 8-12 pounds and feeds about 10 people.

Right now, we're focused on serving up the best meat you'll ever taste. We do not include sides or paper goods, so you can bring your favorites to the party. From time to time, we may have limited edition sauces available for purchase. Sign up to our email list to stay in the know on when the next sauce is dropping.

Absolutely! Birthdays, weddings, corporate shindigs—if you've got a reason to gather, we've got the smoke. Just reach out through our Contact page, and we'll hash out the details to fit your needs.