ABOUT US
the original
Founded by renowned pitmaster and chef Dante Ramirez, Wheeler Barbecue is the culmination of decades of passion, dedication, and culinary expertise. Dante, previously the founder of one of Texas' top-rated BBQ chains, has earned national recognition for his mouthwatering smoked meats and unwavering commitment to customer experience. His last venture was ranked #2 on Yelp’s Top 50 Places to Eat — and now, he’s bringing that same award-winning flavor and vision to Denison. With Dante’s entrepreneurial spirit and deep community roots, Wheeler Barbecue isn’t just serving food — it’s building a legacy.
our family
Lana plays a heartfelt role in the day-to-day experience at Wheeler Barbecue. With years of hands-on experience at well-respected restaurants like Texas Roadhouse and Hutchins BBQ, Lana has learned the importance of consistency, hospitality, and treating every guest like family. Her true passion lies in serving others — whether it's supporting the team behind the scenes or helping create a warm, welcoming environment for the Denison community. Lana brings humility, heart, and a steady presence to everything she does, helping make Wheeler Barbecue feel like home for everyone who walks through the door.
evelyn & eleana
Sisters Evelyn and Eleana Ramirez contribute quietly but meaningfully to the story of Wheeler Barbecue. Both hold degrees in communications and share a love for creativity, connection, and community. Evelyn brings over a decade of experience in social media and graphic design, helping share the spirit of Wheeler Barbecue through thoughtful visuals and storytelling. Eleana draws from her background in advertising and marketing, offering a grounded perspective on how to reach and serve guests in meaningful ways.
