Great barbecue, genuine relationships, and a little laughter. Sometimes the best business conversations happen when there isn't a formal agenda.
At JLA Realty – Omnia Elevate, we believe building a successful real estate business involves more than contracts, closings, and production numbers. It's also about the people we surround ourselves with and the relationships we build along the way.
That's why we created Omnia Elevate Connections, a monthly luncheon that brings our real estate professionals together outside the office and the training room. This month, we gathered at Fire Craft BBQ in Kingwood, Texas for an afternoon of great food, conversation, and connection. If you appreciate authentic Texas barbecue, this is a local restaurant worth getting to know.
Quick answers
- What is Omnia Elevate Connections?
- A monthly social luncheon for members of JLA Realty – Omnia Elevate. No agenda and no presentations, just time to get to know the people we work alongside.
- Where is Fire Craft BBQ?
- 2665 Royal Forest Drive, Suite B-10, Kingwood, TX 77339, near the front of Kingwood. Phone (281) 247-7292.
- When is Fire Craft BBQ open?
- Tuesday through Saturday, from 11 AM until the day's barbecue sells out.
- Who runs Fire Craft BBQ?
- Chef David Welch, a Le Cordon Bleu Paris graduate who trained in Parisian kitchens before turning to Texas barbecue.
What Is Omnia Elevate Connections?
Omnia Elevate Connections is our monthly luncheon for REALTORS® affiliated with JLA Realty – Omnia Elevate. It gives agents a chance to step away from their daily routines and spend relaxed time together.
In real estate, we spend a tremendous amount of time on lead generation, business planning, contracts, marketing, and how to better serve our clients. All of that matters. So does taking time to build genuine relationships with the people we work alongside.
We talk about business, but we also talk about life. We share stories from outside of work, celebrate personal milestones, trade ideas, and occasionally laugh about the challenges that come with being a REALTOR®. These gatherings aren't training sessions or production meetings. They're simply an opportunity to connect.
Who joined us in September
For our September gathering, I was joined by four members of our organization:
- Christine BoltonREALTOR®
- Melissa BrownREALTOR®
- Francie WatsonREALTOR®
- Cristi VoanREALTOR® and Team Lead, Voan Properties Group
We enjoyed some outstanding barbecue, shared plenty of laughs, and spent time catching up. Our choice of restaurant made the afternoon even better.
Fire Craft BBQ: Chef-Driven Texas Barbecue in Kingwood
Located near the front of Kingwood, Fire Craft BBQ is a locally owned restaurant that pairs traditional Texas barbecue with the culinary training of chef and owner David Welch. The kitchen specializes in pit-smoked and fire-roasted meats cooked over Texas hardwoods, served alongside Southern-style sides and house-made desserts. Your barbecue is sliced in plain view at the counter.
What makes Fire Craft BBQ especially interesting is the background of the chef behind the smoker.
Who Is Chef David Welch?
David Welch is not your typical backyard pitmaster turned restaurant owner. He is a veteran of the culinary industry who graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris in 1996, earning the Grand Diplôme with honors and merit.
His training included time in acclaimed Parisian restaurants such as Maxim's, Guy Savoy, and La Closerie des Lilas. After returning to the Houston area, he built his career through restaurant development and kitchen management, including concept chef experience with Pappas Restaurants and partnerships involving Amedeo's and Raffa's Waterfront Grill in Kingwood.
Eventually, his passion for cooking led him in a new direction: Texas barbecue.
How Fire Craft BBQ grew
- 2015Fire Craft BBQ launches as a catering operation.
- 2017The business expands into a food truck.
- 2023The brick-and-mortar restaurant opens in Kingwood.
- 2025An expansion adds dining space, private dining, equipment, and more smoking capacity.
A commitment to quality you can taste
One thing I appreciate about Fire Craft BBQ is its commitment to the craft. The restaurant emphasizes quality ingredients, traditional smoking techniques, and food made from scratch rather than relying on shortcuts.
According to its website, Fire Craft BBQ sources minimally processed meats, builds its own rubs from natural spices and herbs, and smokes over Texas hardwoods. The same care carries into the sides, which use fresh ingredients like hand-shredded cabbage, corn cut fresh off the cob, real butter, and quality cheeses.
That attention to detail comes through in the food. During our luncheon, David personally stopped by our table to check on us. It's always nice when an owner takes the time to connect with guests, and you can tell he takes pride in both the food and the hospitality.
What's on the Menu at Fire Craft BBQ?
Whether you want a traditional Texas barbecue plate or something with more culinary creativity, Fire Craft BBQ has plenty of options. Offerings vary by day.
Smoked meats
Texas barbecue favorites include brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, sausage, smoked turkey, and chicken. Depending on the day, you may also find specialty items such as smoked salmon or other chef-inspired creations.
Southern-style sides
The sides deserve attention of their own. Fire Craft BBQ's published menu includes:
- Three-cheese macaroni and cheese with white cheddar and French Gouda
- Jalapeño corn spoonbread
- Pit-smoked baked beans with brown sugar
- Cauliflower au gratin with béchamel and Parmesan
- Savory squash casserole
- Cajun dirty rice
- Southern-style coleslaw and potato salad
These aren't afterthoughts. They're a big part of what makes the meal memorable.
House-made desserts
If you have room after the barbecue, the dessert menu includes Southern banana pudding, fresh-baked cobblers, and white chocolate bread pudding with a choice of sauce.
Does Fire Craft BBQ Offer Catering?
Yes. Fire Craft BBQ caters weddings, business meetings, luncheons, birthday parties, and other private events, with pickup, delivery, and full-service options. For larger events, the team can bring a smoker and cook on site when space allows. The 2025 expansion also added private dining space at the restaurant for groups who want to gather there.
As someone who lives and works in the Kingwood area, I appreciate seeing locally owned businesses invest in their craft and in the area. Supporting them helps keep our local economy strong.
Plan your visit
Fire Craft BBQ / Texas-style barbecue in Kingwood, TX
- Address
- 2665 Royal Forest Drive, Suite B-10
Kingwood, TX 77339 - Phone
- (281) 247-7292
- Hours
- Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM until sold out
The restaurant can sell out before its posted closing time, so call ahead for late-day availability.
Why Connections Matter at JLA Realty – Omnia Elevate
Our luncheon was a reminder that the relationships we build within our organization are just as important as the systems and tools we use to grow our businesses.
At JLA Realty – Omnia Elevate, our mission is to help real estate professionals build sustainable businesses through education, collaboration, accountability, and meaningful relationships. Throughout the week, members can take part in training, mastermind sessions, and business development conversations. Omnia Elevate Connections serves a different purpose: getting to know the person behind the REALTOR®.
When we understand each other's goals, experiences, strengths, and challenges, we find ways to support one another that extend well beyond a single transaction. Sometimes those relationships begin with something as simple as sitting down for lunch.
Growing together across Texas
As Omnia Elevate grows throughout Greater Houston, Greater San Antonio, and other Texas communities, genuine relationships remain a priority. Whether someone is newly licensed, an experienced agent, or a team leader looking to expand, our goal is an environment where professional development and personal connection go hand in hand.
Our lunch with Christine, Melissa, Francie, and Cristi was another great example of that culture in action. No presentations. No spreadsheets. No pressure. Just great people, great conversation, outstanding barbecue, and plenty of laughs. A special thank you to David Welch and the team at Fire Craft BBQ for taking such great care of us.
Interested in Learning More About JLA Realty – Omnia Elevate?
If you're a licensed real estate professional looking for an organization that values professional development, collaboration, and relationships, we'd welcome the chance to connect. Omnia Elevate is an agent development organization within JLA Realty, and we're growing with agents and teams who want to build their businesses alongside people committed to helping one another succeed.
Why experienced agents move to JLA Realty – Omnia Elevate
- Leadership you can actually reach. Agents work directly with JLA Realty's Broker/Owner, John Altic, and with Omnia Elevate's leadership, not a faceless corporate office.
- Training every week. Contract education, mastermind sessions, accountability calls, and on-demand video are available to members, and participation is always optional.
- Room for teams to build their own brand. Team leaders get support structures designed to help them grow a team without losing their identity.
- A clear conversation about cost. We walk through commission and fee structures openly so you can compare them to your current setup.
- A community, not just a license hang. Gatherings like Omnia Elevate Connections are how members get to know and refer to one another.
Explore the details before you talk to us:
Whether you're early in your career or looking for a different environment for your next stage of growth, let's talk about your goals.
Schedule a Strategy CallFree Training From JLA Realty – Omnia Elevate
Connections is just one part of the week. These training opportunities are open to members, and many are open to any Texas real estate professional who wants to sharpen their skills.
Continuing education credit applies only to courses approved by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and is subject to TREC and provider requirements, including attendance and completion rules. Not every training session qualifies for CE credit. All trainings are voluntary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Omnia Elevate Connections?
Omnia Elevate Connections is a monthly social luncheon for members of JLA Realty – Omnia Elevate. It gives real estate professionals an informal way to build relationships, share ideas, and connect outside of regular business meetings and training sessions. Attendance is optional.
Where is Fire Craft BBQ located?
Fire Craft BBQ is located at 2665 Royal Forest Drive, Suite B-10, Kingwood, Texas 77339, near the front of Kingwood. You can reach the restaurant at (281) 247-7292.
What are Fire Craft BBQ's hours?
Fire Craft BBQ is open Tuesday through Saturday starting at 11 AM and stays open until the day's barbecue sells out. Call ahead if you plan to visit later in the day.
Who owns Fire Craft BBQ in Kingwood?
Fire Craft BBQ was founded by chef David Welch, a Le Cordon Bleu Paris graduate with more than two decades of culinary experience. Savannah Welch also serves as co-owner. The business grew from catering and a food truck into its Kingwood restaurant.
Does Fire Craft BBQ offer catering?
Yes. Fire Craft BBQ caters weddings, business meetings, luncheons, and private gatherings, with pickup, delivery, and full-service options. For larger events, it can bring a smoker and cook on site when space allows.
Is Omnia Elevate a real estate brokerage?
No. Omnia Elevate is an agent development organization within JLA Realty, a licensed Texas real estate brokerage. Agents who join Omnia Elevate are affiliated with JLA Realty.
How can a REALTOR® learn more about joining Omnia Elevate?
Licensed agents and teams can visit OmniaElevate.com to explore the organization, or schedule a strategy call with Jeremy Williams, Founder and Expansion Partner, to talk through goals and fit.
Omnia Elevate is an agent development organization within JLA Realty (Universal Home Solutions, LLC), a licensed Texas real estate brokerage. Omnia Elevate is not a brokerage. Texas law requires all license holders to provide the Information About Brokerage Services form and the Consumer Protection Notice.
Agents affiliated with JLA Realty are independent contractors. Participation in luncheons, trainings, calls, and events is voluntary, with no required hours, attendance, or spending. We make no guarantee of income or production; results depend on each agent's own efforts and market conditions. Commissions are not set by law and are fully negotiable.
JLA Realty – Omnia Elevate is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Houston Association of REALTORS®, the San Antonio Board of REALTORS®, Texas REALTORS®, or the National Association of REALTORS®. REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark of the National Association of REALTORS®. This content is not intended to solicit agents who are currently under an exclusive agreement with another brokerage.
Fire Craft BBQ is an independently owned business and is not affiliated with JLA Realty – Omnia Elevate. Restaurant details come from Fire Craft BBQ's published information and may change; please confirm menus, hours, and services directly with the restaurant.
Equal Housing Opportunity. JLA Realty – Omnia Elevate is committed to the Fair Housing Act and the Texas Fair Housing Act and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin.