2026 Brewed & Branded Three Session Series

These three aren’t just random cultural elements—they overlap in meaningful ways:

• Work and craft: Coffee fuels labor, leatherworking embodies craftsmanship, BBQ requires patience and technique.
• Community: Coffee shops, leather markets, and BBQ joints all serve as gathering spaces.
• Tradition + evolution: Each has deep roots but continues to evolve with new generations.

Put simply, coffee keeps Texans moving, leatherworking reflects where they came from, and barbecue shows how they come together

July 10 - BBQ Basics

Texas barbecue is arguably the most iconic of the three. It’s not just food—it’s ritual, regional identity, and social glue. Central Texas-style brisket, slow-smoked over oak, is the gold standard, with spots like Franklin Barbecue becoming almost pilgrimage sites. BBQ traditions came from a blend of cultures—German and Czech meat-smoking techniques, Mexican barbacoa influences, and Southern cooking styles. Waiting in line for hours, sharing tables with strangers, and debating the “right” way to smoke meat are all part of the experience.

Speaker: Drew Cassens Ph.D. | Assistant Professor & Meat Specialist

Department of Animal Science | Texas A&M AgriLife

July 17 - Leather Working

Leatherworking in Texas traces directly back to ranching and cowboy traditions. Saddles, boots, belts, and tack weren’t decorative—they were essential tools. Over time, craftsmanship became a point of pride, with handmade leather goods representing durability, independence, and skill. Towns across Texas still host artisans who keep these traditions alive, and brands rooted in cowboy culture continue to influence fashion well beyond the state. Leatherworking is essentially a living link to Texas’s frontier past.

Speaker: Tom Feldman | Store Manager

Tandy Leather Houston

July 24 - Coffee in Texas

Coffee culture in Texas has shifted from purely functional (fuel for ranchers, oil workers, and early risers) into something more communal and artisanal. Cities like Austin and Houston have thriving specialty coffee scenes, with independent roasters and cafés acting as social hubs. But even beyond trendy shops, coffee still carries that “get up and go” symbolism tied to long workdays and self-reliance. It’s both a modern lifestyle marker and a continuation of a work ethic culture.

Speaker: TBD

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Host or Publisher Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Ag & Natural Resources - Harris County