Tim Mikeska catering BBQ in 1966
most likely the only picture you will ever see Tim with a hat on!

The most amazing thing about his accomplishments is his ability to do these events as far away as Bosnia, Germany, Ireland, Iceland, Canada, England, Italy, New Jersey, Washington, California, Nevada, Arizona and Florida.

Some of Tim's proudest moments were traveling to Bosnia to serve his Bar-B-Q to U.S. Peacekeepers on July 4th and to Texas Task Force One upon their return from New York and rescue operations at the World Trade Center. He also served the 4th Infantry Division upon their return to Texas after capturing Saddam Hussein and donated a feast for over 3,000 Texas National Guard Soldiers and their families upon their return from active duty in Europe.

For these accomplishments as a patriot, Tim was awarded the Texas Eagle Award for service to the State of Texas Military Forces and he was awarded the Seven Seals award by the Armed Services of the United States. The Governor of Texas named Tim.... "The Commissioner of Texas Barbecue"

The one thing that Tim prides himself on, is his continuation of personally producing the sausage that is served in the Mikeska's. This is the same sausage that Rudy Sr. began making in the 1940's. Tim started making sausage with his father when he was only 7 years old. He literally had to stack old wooden Coke crates to stand on to reach the linking table. That same sausage is being sold at the critically acclaimed Smoque BBQ in Chicago.

Tim has focused his future business with his popular Mikeska Brands USDA Certified Smoked Meats currently in 3 U.S. States.

http://www.mikeska.com/brands.html

Maurice and Tim Mikeska




	The Mikeska Family The story behind the Mikeska Family is a truly unique example of a poor immigrant family from Czechoslovakia who in the late 19th century ventured to Texas with the hope of raising a Christian family in a fertile farm area in Williamson County, Texas. What happened in the next 100 years is proof that a loving, hard working family can establish a world renowned reputation for service and dedication to their customers and the perpetual preservation of the Mikeska Family name. Now as the Mikeska Family approaches their centennial mark in Texas, they continue to exhibit the same qualities as did John Mikeska and Francis Valis Mikeska in dedication and devotion to their heritage and Christian values. The nine children, 34 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren of John and Francis inherit a special legacy of family commitment and hard work. Many print articles, publications, awards and acknowledgments have been given to this family over many years. The beginning of this unique family started with the courtship of John Mikeska and a young Francis Valis. They both came from large Czech families who at a very young age immigrated to the United States via Galveston Texas. The Valis family took roots in the central Texas community of Corn Hill. The Mikeska family settled in the fertile farm area around Taylor. They proceeded to have nine children and raised them on a farm three miles south of Taylor. The beginning of the Mikeska Family's meat business operations began in the 1920's when John Mikeska was the leader of what was called a "beef club." He and his six young sons, went to other area family farms and processed cattle, hogs, goats, chickens, and sheep. Their payment for these services was the allotment of certain meat cuts for themselves. The Mikeska Family's hospitality and their devotion to hard work became synonymous in central Texas. In addition to their beef club, John Mikeska raised cotton, corn, maize and wheat.

	The Mikeska children learned at an early age that to be successful you had to establish your name and maintain the core values that their parents instilled in them. The beginning of the retail food business began when Rudy Mikeska, 3rd son of John, returned from World War II to manage the Taylor Country Club. There, he began the catering business that is still in operation today with over 1,600 annual events. While at the Country Club, Rudy became famous for some of his "high profile" clients. Then Senator and later President Lyndon Johnson, State Senators, US Congressman, Hollywood Actors, and The British Royal Family all became clients and friends to Rudy Mikeska. Rudy's other brothers also came into the business in the 1950's and 1960's. Mike Mikeska opened a Bar-B-Q in Smithville, Jerry opened one in Columbus, Louis in Temple, Maurice in El Campo and finally Clem in Temple. Each brother had their own style and recipe for their product. The one quality that was the same in all of the Mikeska businesses was "service." As each of the businesses grew, the brothers expanded to meet the growing necessity of their reputation. Rudy Mikeska had three barbecue stands in Taylor and the famous "L&M" restaurant in nearby Georgetown. Rudy worked 18 to 20 hours a day nourishing his customers and staff. In 1971, he combined all of his businesses into one massive restaurant and catering complex in Taylor. That complex can produce meals for over 3,000 people every hour! State-of-the-art "Roto-Flex-Smokers" that can hold 1,000 lbs of product are lined 4 abreast in his catering kitchen. Steam kettles that can hold 240 gallons of either sauce or beans round out the kitchens ability to produce immense quantities of food. Rudy designed his own glazed brick oak wood smoker that can smoke 1,000 lbs of sausage or hams. A fleet of 11 vehicles keeps the catering operation on the road every day of the week. Rudy has two large trailer Bar-B-Q pits that can cook on location anywhere in the United States. It was his ability, along with his dear brothers, that led to Texas Monthly Magazine naming the Mikeska Family...... The First Family of Texas Barbecue Read the 1986 Texas Monthly Article

	The Second Generation Thankfully, the second generation of the Mikeska Family realized early on that they had a unique heritage. Each brothers children showed a keen interest in the operations of each location. They all grew up making sausage and catering with their father. The Mikeska Family had 3 girls. They, and their children also entered the food business. Ann Mikeska Jozwiak owned and operated the Diamond Inn for 50 years. This cafe was featured in the movies... "Hot Spot," "Perfect World," and "Heart Break Hotel." Val Mikeska Lindeman helps manage her brother Clem's operations in Temple. Martha Mikeska Vanecek's children Benny and Michael saw their uncles achievements and began buying McDonalds franchises. They both are highly respected and successful in their own right. Both Vanecek brothers sit on the National Operating Board of Directors for McDonalds Corporation. Rudy's children.... Judy and Tim both direct the core of the family corporations based in Taylor. Maurice's children.... Laurice, Nick and Gerry run the El Campo operations. Clem's children.... Angela, Anna and Stephen manage the Temple locations. The Mikeska cousins are well educated and prepared to take the family business into the next century. They are dedicated to maintaining the family legacy and the spirit of their grandparents and parents. They confer on a daily basis to pool their vast resources in developing new creative menus and products. In 1996, The Baylor University Institute for Family Business named the family's holding corporation, Mikeska's Bar-B-Q Inc., as Semi-finalist for Outstanding Family Business of the Year. They achieved distinction over 300 other family owned businesses in Texas. This accomplishment epitomizes the tradition of the Mikeska Family, the fulfillment of a loving, traditional Czech - Texan clan. In 1989, The Mikeska Family was honored by The Texas State Legislature with an Honorary Resolution marking the loss of Rudy Mikeska Sr.

	Rudy Mikeska Sr. Volumes can be written about the founder of the Bar-B-Q Empire, Rudy Mikeska Sr. (1920-1989) Rudy was known throughout Texas as a "people person" dedicated to making every event he touched a glorious occasion. Rudy would counsel young couples in preparing their wedding. He wanted everything to be perfect, especially the food. That tradition continues today. Rudy Mikeska's Bar-B-Q Inc. in Taylor is now catering the weddings of grandchildren of previous customers. Rudy Mikeska coordinated large catered events like the IBM Family Day for 21,000 guests. The South Texas Nuclear project for 18,000 guests. He personally catered for US Presidents.... Lyndon Johnson, Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan. He served 3 Texas Governor Inaugurals, the caterer of choice for Texas State Legislature, and provided the meals for the last 11 Texas State Governor-for-a-Day events. The most important thing that can be said about Rudy Mikeska was his charity and love for his fellow man and his family. Rudy, in his 44-year career, never turned anyone away hungry. He knew hunger very well. He donated over $50,000 in food yearly to many deserving charities.

	Tim & Timothy Mikeska Rudy "Tim" Mikeska, Jr. As President and Chairman of the Board of Mikeska's Bar-B-Q Inc., Tim (as he is called) has followed in his fathers footsteps in preserving his family heritage and name. He has taken great steps in expanding the company's ability to cater large functions and travel great distances. He has expanded their menus to include USDA Prime Steaks, Farm Raised Catfish, Chicken Fried Steaks, Beef Center Cut Medallions, Pork Tenderloin, Baby Back Ribs and exotic meats like Quail, Pheasant, and Whole-Suckling Pigs. Tim is also copyright/trademark holder, and guardian of the Mikeska Family Trademarks. He has brought the company into the 21st Century by selling "Mikeska Brand" products all over the world via his Internet Marketing Website at: www.TexasOnlineMeats.com Tim raised awareness of his company and it's accomplishments by being featured on numerous network and cable television programs. Tim was featured on the FoodNetworks, Food Nations Program with chef host Bobby Flay. He stared in the Emmy award winning "Masters of Texas Barbecue" PBS, Travel Channel and Discovery Channel feature. Tim, along with his El Campo cousins, was featured on Memorial Day in New York on the CBS Early Show. Tim and his son Timothy will be featured on the Travel Channel with Chef Andrew Zimmern expected to air in early 2009.

	Tim Mikeska catering BBQ in 1966 most likely the only picture you will ever see Tim with a hat on! The most amazing thing about his accomplishments is his ability to do these events as far away as Bosnia, Germany, Ireland, Iceland, Canada, England, Italy, New Jersey, Washington, California, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. Some of Tim's proudest moments were traveling to Bosnia to serve his Bar-B-Q to U.S. Peacekeepers on July 4th and to Texas Task Force One upon their return from New York and rescue operations at the World Trade Center. He also served the 4th Infantry Division upon their return to Texas after capturing Saddam Hussein and donated a feast for over 3,000 Texas National Guard Soldiers and their families upon their return from active duty in Europe. For these accomplishments as a patriot, Tim was awarded the Texas Eagle Award for service to the State of Texas Military Forces and he was awarded the Seven Seals award by the Armed Services of the United States. The Governor of Texas named Tim.... "The Commissioner of Texas Barbecue" The one thing that Tim prides himself on, is his continuation of personally producing the sausage that is served in the Mikeska's. This is the same sausage that Rudy Sr. began making in the 1940's. Tim started making sausage with his father when he was only 7 years old. He literally had to stack old wooden Coke crates to stand on to reach the linking table. That same sausage is being sold at the critically acclaimed Smoque BBQ in Chicago. Tim has focused his future business with his popular Mikeska Brands USDA Certified Smoked Meats currently in 3 U.S. States. http://www.mikeska.com/brands.html Maurice and Tim Mikeska

	Tim Mikeska with FoodNetworks Chef Bobby Flay The Food Networks FoodNations Program featuring Tim Mikeska with Chef Bobby Flay. The .mpg has been uploaded and can be found here: (this file is about 89megabytes so it may take a while to load) Food Networks FoodNations Program Featuring Tim with Bobby Flay Tim and Timothy Mikeska with the Travel Channels Andrew Zimmern Want to see how all this good BBQ is made? Please click the following link to see our YouTube HowTO Videos Mikeska's YouTube HowTo Videos The Impressive List Here is a compilation of some of the clients that Rudy Mikeska's Bar-B-Q has served over it's 52 year history..... United States Presidents: Lyndon Johnson, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Bill Clinton Texas Governors: John Connally, Preston Smith, Dolph Briscoe, Mark White, Bill Clements, Ann Richards, George W. Bush, Rick Perry British Royalty: HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburg, HRH Prince Andrew the Duke of York Actors: Clint Eastwood, Rip Torn, Don Johnson, Melanie Griffith, Dennis Hopper, Kevin Costner, Geraldine Page, Sissy Spacek, Director Chris Columbus, David Keith, Jennifer Connally, and Tuesday Weld Performers: Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Johnny Bush, Steve Warner, Little Richard, Fats Domino, The Oak Ridge Boys, Junior Brown, Pam Tillis, George Strait, Travis Tritt and Johnny Cash Events: Three Texas Governor Inaugurals, 1992 World Helicopter Championships in Swindon England, 1993 and 1995 World Horse-Pair Driving Championships in Morristown New Jersey, 11 Texas Govenor-for-a-Day Celebrations, six Texas State Legislature Reunions, three on location Motion Pictures, 1995 National Guard BossLift to Seattle Washington, 1997 BossLift to San Diego California, IBM Family Day in Tucson Arizona, IBM Family Day in Austin Texas for 21,000, South Texas Nuclear Project for 18,000, Bill Clinton's 50th Birthday Celebration, 1997 & 1998 NFR Rodeo in Las Vegas. 1998 BossLift to Riverside California, 1998 Williamson County 10,000-Guest Sesquicentennial, July 4th 2000 Bar-B-Q for the 49th Armored Division in Tuzla Boznia, Troop Welcome Home Party...hosted by Tim Mikeska for all the 49th Armored Division, 4th Infantry Division "Iron Gunners" Event at the Dell Diamond.

	Mikeska Family, Taylor Texas Circa 1930's Publications, Articles, and TV Programs... Texas Monthly August 1986 Cover, Ultra Magazine, Texas Highways, Channel 7 News "Best Barbecue", Best Off-Beat Bar-B-Q - Texas Monthly, Chief Judge - International Bar-B-Q Cookoff, Honorary Chapter Farmer - Future Farmers of America, Texas Restaurant Assoc. - State Director, New York Times, San Francisco Examiner, PM Magazine Special, Baylor University "Family Business of the Year" - Semifinalist, "Texas Barbecue" by Paris Permenter, Legends of Texas Barbecue by Robb Walsh, CBS Early Show May 2002 Live Broadcast, Masters of Texas Barbecue 2003 PBS Documentary, Food Network's FoodNations Program with host Bobby Flay, Follow the Smoke by John Demers

	Rudy Mikeska's Bar-B-Q, Inc. 300 W. 2nd Street Taylor, Texas 76574 512.365.3722 or 800.962.5706 info@mikeska.com © Copyright Rudy Mikeska's Bar-B-Q, Inc., 1999. All rights reserved.