New Family BBQ Hickory Pit
Previously Emil Villas Hickory Pit

At Family BBQ Hickory Pit, our story is built on hard work, resilience, and the deep bonds of family and community. What began as Emil Villa’s Hick’ry Pit, a Livermore favorite for decades, has evolved into something even more special. In 2023, Inocencio, who started at the restaurant as an 18-year-old dishwasher in 2000, became the proud owner, continuing its legacy with passion and heart. Inocencio’s journey is the embodiment of the American Dream. After moving from Mexico, not knowing any English, he worked tirelessly, moving from dishwasher to busboy, to cook, and eventually to server, where his warmth and connection with customers truly stood out. But as his family grew—especially after he and his wife welcomed their fourth child, Isabella Mia, in 2022—Inocencio realized he needed something more. He took a leap of faith, partnering with Emil Villa’s longtime owner, Ali, during the uncertainty of COVID. And when Ali retired in 2023, Inocencio bought him out completely, becoming the sole owner of the restaurant he had worked in for so many years. From the beginning, Family BBQ Hickory Pit has been a true family venture. Inocencio’s wife now helps during the week, and his oldest daughter is eager to pitch in, keeping the restaurant’s family-centered spirit alive. But it’s not just his immediate family that makes this place special—it’s the staff. Some of our team members have been with us for over 30 years, and their dedication and love for this restaurant have shaped who we are. Without their support, strength, and guidance in helping Inocencio navigate the challenges of ownership, we wouldn’t be the successful and thriving business we are today. Their commitment to the restaurant and the community is at the heart of what we do. As we look to the future, we’ve made the difficult decision to move the restaurant to a new location in early 2025. While the current building holds cherished memories, it requires costly upgrades to meet health and building codes, and we simply can’t afford to make these changes within the limited time left on our lease. The new location will allow us to continue serving the community with the same dedication to great BBQ and family values, while ensuring we can keep improving and growing. We know that like many businesses, we’ve faced our share of challenges—from rising food costs to staffing shortages—but your loyalty has helped us push through. We may not be perfect, but we’re committed to learning and getting better every day. That’s why your feedback is so important to us. We welcome your thoughts, whether it’s a compliment or a suggestion, and encourage you to share them with us directly in the restaurant or through our website. From our family to yours, thank you for your support, compassion, and understanding as we navigate these changes. We look forward to serving you for many more years to come, sharing not just great BBQ, but also the sense of community that makes Family BBQ Hickory Pit so special.