What happened: Midland has always been shaped by people willing to build something of their own and share it with the community. The Half Acre is a good example of that local spirit. A barbecue restaurant that grew out of Midland Meat Company and brings great food together with a hometown story.

The big picture: Half Acre Acre grew out of Midland Meat Company (MMC). MMC opened its doors in October 2015 as a family-owned butcher shop founded by John and Amy Scharbauer. John, a fifth-generation cattleman from the Scharbauer family whose ranching legacy dates back to 1883, aimed to bring pasture-to-plate beef directly to the community.

Starting as a 1,600-square-foot store on Big Spring Street, MMC specializes in quality beef sourced from the family’s historic ranches. Expanding on this foundation, MMC launched The Half Acre in 2021 as a restaurant extension, evolving from a 2017 food truck venture. Located at 1101 Washita Ct., it offers smoked meats like brisket, ribs, and sausage, paired with classic country sides.

Go deeper: The name “The Half Acre” is a playful nod to the Scharbauer family’s historic West Texas ranch, which once spanned more than half a million acres. The owners wanted a place that felt welcoming, with quality meats, kind prices, and a family-friendly setting where Midlanders could relax, gather, and enjoy a meal together.

In 2023, it was voted Midland’s best barbecue, and in 2025, it earned multiple MRT Readers’ Choice Awards, showing how well it fills that everyday need for local color.