In 2001, armed with their experience working at Armour Swift-Eckrich & Conagra Foods, Rick & Michelle Martin embarked on their entrepreneurial venture, establishing Texas Star Foods as a sales and marketing company specializing in Badia Spices and Central American food products. Their products found their way into grocery stores and local shops, including Food Town.

However, fate had more in store for them. In 2008, during a family gathering in Portland, Oregon, the Martins stumbled upon a game-changing discovery—the Traeger Wood Pellet Grill. The remarkable taste of the bratwurst, reminiscent of smoked sausage, captivated their palates. Determined to make their mark, they took a bold leap by securing a loan to purchase an entire truckload of Traeger Grills, demanding attention and credibility.

Initially planning to sell the grills alongside Badia Spices in grocery stores, the Martins faced challenges with overstaffing and limited capital. Adaptability became the key, leading them to retail. They established their first brick-and-mortar store, Texas Star Pellet Grill Company, located at 2045 Southwest Freeway.

The early days were not without hurdles. Introducing the concept of wood pellet grills proved perplexing to some customers, and a crushing blow came in the form of a soul-shattering 1-star Yelp review. In the face of adversity, they made the tough decision to close the shop and return to their warehouse in southwest Houston.

Undeterred, the Martins persevered, slowly but steadily building a loyal customer base. Word-of-mouth began to spread, and profits followed suit. With renewed confidence, they reclaimed their retail store at 2045, marking a pivotal moment in their journey, this time calling it Texas Star Grill Shop. The expansion continued as they introduced renowned brands like Kamado Joes, Saber Grills, and Weber.

Years of hard work and dedication have transformed their humble beginnings into a thriving business. Today, Texas Star Grill Shop flourishes with five locations and a bustling online store, serving passionate grill enthusiasts far and wide.

The Martin Family's remarkable journey exemplifies their unwavering commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and the pursuit of culinary excellence in the world of grilling.