Guy Fieri highlights Texas' bold barbecue flavors

A Taste of Flavortown: Industry’s Journey to National Recognition

Texas has always been known for its bold flavors, and now it's getting a spotlight on one of its most unique dining spots. Industry, a scratch-made restaurant with roots in San Marcos and a second location in East Austin, recently made waves by being featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, the long-running Food Network series that celebrates iconic food spots across the country. The show, hosted by the charismatic Guy Fieri, has become a launching pad for many local eateries, and Industry is now part of that growing list of Texas favorites.

For owner Harlan Scott, the feature was both exciting and nerve-wracking. “I was excited, but I was really anxious,” he shared. “Both my restaurants in Austin and San Marcos have been a real grind… I've sold houses to keep this thing open. It's been a struggle. We really needed a miracle.” For Scott, the opportunity to be on the show wasn’t just about exposure—it was about proving that hard work and dedication could pay off.

The Season 42 episode titled “Sandwiches and Soul” showcased Industry’s East Austin location, where Fieri took a deep dive into the restaurant’s menu. One of the standout dishes was the brisket pastrami sandwich, a mouthwatering creation that combined smoky brisket pastrami, Dijon mustard, Swiss cheese, pickles, bacon-onion jam, and a drizzle of brisket juice, all served on thick toasted Texas toast. The sandwich was a perfect blend of traditional barbecue with a creative twist, and it quickly became the star of the show.

Scott revealed that the experience was no small feat. “We had to invite only 15 people each day,” he joked. “Imagine getting married and being told you can only invite 15 friends. That's the most important day of my life. I'm looking at my regulars and my closest friends and I am like, 'who's going to make the cut?'"

The dishes featured on the show were some of the most labor-intensive on the menu. “It takes seven days to prepare that pastrami and pancakes,” Scott said. “These are intense menu items… They're literal works of art. We've taken our food to a whole nother level. We went from probably 80% from scratch to 95% from scratch. You can't be on this show unless you're 90% from scratch.”

Since the episode aired on July 25, Scott has noticed a steady increase in customers. He estimates that the feature will create a permanent 10 to 20% boost in business. “People were on the show 10 years ago and they still get customers every day because of the show,” he added.

But Industry isn’t just about sandwiches. The restaurant is also known for its innovative brunch offerings, especially the fluffy pancakes topped with tender smoked brisket and finished with a house-made blackberry compote. This sweet-and-savory combination adds a fresh Texas barbecue twist to a classic brunch favorite.

During Fieri’s visit, there were plenty of laughs, meaningful conversations, and even some valuable advice. Though none of these moments made it into the final cut, Scott says the experience will stay with him forever. From ramping up merchandise to eliminating certain menu items, he felt grateful for the opportunity to showcase his vision.

The episode also helped clear up a long-standing rumor—Industry does offer discounts to service industry employees. Scott confirmed the perk on camera, highlighting the restaurant’s mission to give back to the community that inspired it.

The concept behind Industry was born out of Scott’s own roots in the service world. He and his partners opened the first location in San Marcos in 2018 as a tribute to the service industry culture that shaped them. More than just a restaurant, Industry was created to be a community space, welcoming families, professionals, creatives, and fellow hospitality workers alike.

With locations now in San Marcos and East Austin, Industry’s mix of scratch-made Texas dishes, thoughtful atmosphere, and fair pricing is now getting national recognition—and a well-deserved trip to Flavortown.

Location Details

• East Austin: 1211 E. 5th St., Suite 150, Austin, TX 78702
• San Marcos: 110 E Martin Luther King Drive, Suite 126, San Marcos, TX 78666

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