Napoleon Dynamite Cast Visits Famed Texas BBQ Spot

Three characters from the cult classic film stopped by Terry Black's Barbecue in Fort Worth.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:53pm

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The cast of the 2000s film Napoleon Dynamite, including Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez, and Jon Gries, made an unexpected visit to Terry Black's Barbecue, a popular Texas smokehouse, in Fort Worth. The restaurant shared a TikTok video of the interaction, which showed the actors joking with employees and being served a massive tray of classic Texas barbecue fare.

Why it matters

The visit represents a unique crossover between pop culture and culinary tradition, drawing attention to Terry Black's Barbecue as a destination for both die-hard fans and those seeking an authentic Texas barbecue experience. The restaurant has also attracted a steady stream of high-profile visitors, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit spot.

The details

In the TikTok video, the Napoleon Dynamite actors are seen interacting with Terry Black's employees, with Heder joking about the restaurant being the place to "put some hot meat in our mouth." The employees praised the quality of the barbecue, calling it the "Rolls Royce of barbecue" and the "best that Texas has to offer." Gries also highlighted the restaurant's side options, such as mac-and-cheese and ranch-style beans. Heder and Ramirez were then handed a tray piled high with brisket, ribs, sausage, and turkey, which they struggled to carry back to their table.

  • The video was shared on the restaurant's TikTok account this past weekend (March 22, 2026).

The players

Jon Heder

An actor known for his role as the title character in the 2004 cult classic film Napoleon Dynamite.

Efren Ramirez

An actor who played the character Pedro in Napoleon Dynamite.

Jon Gries

An actor who portrayed the character Uncle Rico in Napoleon Dynamite.

Terry Black's Barbecue

A popular Texas barbecue restaurant chain with six active locations throughout the state, known for its high-quality smoked meats and sides.

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What they’re saying

“I heard you're the man to come to to put some hot meat in our mouth,”

— Jon Heder

“We are the man of the meats. Many, many meats. The best that Texas has to offer.”

— Terry Black's Barbecue employee

“I've become so hungry,”

— Efren Ramirez

“Hey man, I'm not here for the meat, I'm here for the sides,”

— Jon Gries

What’s next

Terry Black's Barbecue is continuing to expand its footprint, with plans to open new locations in Houston, San Antonio, and Nashville, Tennessee.

The takeaway

The unexpected visit by the Napoleon Dynamite cast highlights Terry Black's Barbecue's growing reputation as a must-visit destination for both die-hard fans and those seeking an authentic Texas barbecue experience, solidifying the restaurant's status as a culinary landmark in the Lone Star State.