720 East Park Boulevard Suite 202, Plano, Texas 75074, United States
It can be a struggle for commercial property owners to find dependable, high-quality commercial roofing contractors in Van Alstyne, TX. Big cities like Dallas have plenty of commercial roofing options. Unfortunately, many "experts" are unreliable, undertrained, and unable to meet the strict demands that many business owners have.
At Atlas National Roofing, we understand how crucial it is to have a well-installed, functional roofing system for your property. Perhaps more importantly, our team has the knowledge and experience needed to produce at the highest level of business. We mix traditional Van Alstyne, TX values, unmatched craftsmanship, and a passion for commercial roofing to give our customers the very best products available.
We serve a wide range of clients, including property managers, retailers, building operators, and industrial builders who need trustworthy commercial roofing techs to maintain, repair, and monitor their properties.
As your reliable contractor, our goal is to make your experience as simple and streamlined as possible, whether you're in need of commercial roof repairs, maintenance, renovations, or a full replacement. We're happy to work closely with owners and managers who must adhere to regulations and budgets.
We provide warrantable work, honest assessments, and a team of pros with each project we accept. And with real-time updates and easy-to-understand invoices, you're never left in the dark when Atlas National Roofing is on the job.
We specialize in many types of commercial roofing services:
At the end of the day, our goal is to provide the highest-quality commercial roofing solutions and superior service for every client - no questions asked. Here are just a few reasons why customers choose Atlas over the competition:
We're committed to delivering the highest quality roofing services and always respond quickly to your unique needs.
Our commercial roofing crews are true experts who have years of training and real-world roofing experience. We only recruit dedicated, conscientious team members at Atlas National Roofing.
Without the proper tools for the job, your project will be a disaster. That's why our contractors use up-to-date equipment, allowing them to work safely, efficiently, and up to the highest industry standards.
Some of our commercial roofing specialties include:
Let's be honest: roof replacements are no small task, especially for commercial and industrial properties. Of course, regular care and maintenance go a long way in extending the life of your roof, but with time, even the toughest roofs have to be replaced. When it does, you need a roofing team that understands the complexities of commercial roof replacement. And when it comes to the highest quality roof replacement services, Atlas is the top choice in Van Alstyne, TX.
A new roof for your company helps protect your staff, inventory, clients, and business from loss, while increasing your property's value. Additionally, our replacement systems help lower your ongoing maintenance costs and boost your building's energy efficiency.
When you trust Atlas National Roofing with your replacement project, we will work closely with you to understand the scope of your business and its budgetary requirements. Our mission is to provide you with the best roof replacement options for your needs, completed promptly, so you can focus on growing your business.
Our re-roofing services include:
Whether you have a low-slope or steep-sloped commercial roof in Van Alstyne, TX, Atlas provides expert repairs for your commercial property. Issues like roof leaks can damage your inventory, deter customers from doing business with you, and interrupt your day-to-day operations. If your roof needs dependable, effective repairs, we're here to help.
Our roof repair service team works with multi-family property owners, single building owners, property managers, and maintenance supervisors in various industries. We approach each project with safety in mind, fierce attention to detail, and the latest repair techniques. That way, we achieve maximum quality assurance and long-lasting repairs for your property.
Here are just a few ways we can help with your repair project:
Investigating and repairing a commercial roofing water leak necessitates advanced skills and training. Understanding and mastering the dynamics of commercial rooftop water intrusion takes specialized training and years of experience. We're proud to say that when Atlas National Roofing is on the job, you're working with one of the top repair teams in the industry.
Oftentimes, manufacturers require building owners to uphold a preventative maintenance plan for their roof's warranty. Some providers even offer warranty extensions for those who have a program in place. Investing in preventative maintenance from Atlas now can save your major capital expenditures down the line.
Having a reliable maintenance program in place is important for your commercial roof. That's why Atlas offers contracts for regularly scheduled maintenance and repair visits. Contact our office today to learn more about how our team can maintain your commercial roof on an ongoing basis.
A functional roof is a crucial component of your commercial building's structural integrity. It will protect you from the elements and add aesthetic appeal to your property when properly maintained. However, when your roof falls into disarray, a variety of problems can occur. Keep your eye out for the following signs that your commercial roof needs repair:
Commercial roofs are made with materials meant for outdoor conditions, but too much moisture or heat can cause blistering that allows moisture in, weakening your roof's structure. When this happens, your roof ages prematurely, thereby reducing its ability to protect you and your customers or tenants.
Standing water can have incredibly damaging effects on your commercial roofing system. It can cause leaks that deteriorate your roof's integrity, which leads to water intrusion. When water intrudes on your property, it can cause a litany of health hazards associated with mold and bacteria. When you spot standing water on your roof, your roof's support system may be seriously compromised, especially with wooden materials.
Having a drainage system that works well is crucial for the health of your commercial roof. If scuppers or drains are clogged with debris and waste, water pools on your roof. Gaps in flashing can also cause water to permeate the building. Additionally, worn seams and cracks can give water access inside. Keep a sharp eye out for signs of clogged drains and gaps in your roof's flashing. If you notice these signs, you could need commercial roof repair.
Facility managers and commercial building owners know they'll have to consider roof replacement eventually. This type of service often requires a significant investment and halts day-to-day operations while the new roof is installed.
Fortunately, restoration is a cost-effective alternative to re-roofing for some commercial property owners. By implementing our advanced roof restoration systems, we can help restore your facility's roof membrane, extending its life and saving your money.
However, there is a window of opportunity for roof restoration. If 25% or less of your commercial roof needs to be replaced, restoration could be an attractive option for you.
Our licensed roofing technicians promptly identify problem areas and provide accurate estimates for resealing cracks, crevices, and gaps. Our team can also help eliminate and prevent roof leaks, further extending the lifespan of your commercial roofing system. We make it a point to carry out our roof restoration projects in a way that doesn't interfere with your daily operations or business productivity.
Atlas National Roofing takes a step-by-step approach to discover whether your property is suitable for restoration:
Gather Info: Our team will gather as much info about your building and its roofing system as possible. If suitable, we'll speak with your management team to determine factors like the age of your roof and the impact of previous repairs.
Inspect from Below: This step involves inspecting your underlying roof deck. That way, we can identify concerns like areas of water penetration and advanced degradation of your current roof deck.
Inspect from Above: We'll "walk your roof" to get an understanding of your commercial roof's overall condition. We want to be sure that restoration is a feasible option for your roof.
Assessment: We'll consider everything we've learned from the previous steps and advise you on your restoration options. We'll touch on your current roof and which coatings are appropriate. We can also talk about environmental concerns, how long restoration will last, the potential for tax credits, and the best restoration options for your geographic location.
With the rise of platforms like YouTube, DIY enthusiasts seem to be everywhere. However, regardless of how many DIY videos you study, your skills won't be on par with a professional commercial roofing contractor. Many DIYers claim they can save money by cutting out the pros, but this tactic usually leads to costly mistakes that cause more harm than good.
If you're in need of quality commercial roofing, it's always best to leave it to a reputable, experienced company like Atlas. Here's why:
Building codes in Van Alstyne, TX are regulations drafted to govern how commercial construction projects are handled. When you don't adhere to building codes and try to construct a new roof with an untrained crew, mistakes are made codes are violated. That means you'll have to incur all the losses associated with demolishing the roof, as well as the cost of doing it right.
It makes sense, then, to hire a team of professionals to get the job done right the first time. At Atlas National Roofing, our contractors are always up-to-date on the latest commercial building codes to ensure your roofing projects are completed without any hiccups.
This benefit sounds like a no-brainer, but it deserves to be highlighted because of how important it is. Your safety and your customers' safety should be top of mind when you own a commercial property. Hiring licensed, trained commercial roofing experts keeps you safe by:
Having a properly maintained roof day in and day out. When your commercial roof is in good shape and working correctly, you and your customers are safer.
Commercial roof repair is a dangerous job for novices. A quick search online will bring up dozens of cases in Van Alstyne, TX where DIYers get injured trying to construct or repair their commercial property's roof.
The highest quality craftsmanship only comes with years of hands-on commercial roofing experience. You could watch every roofing DIY roofing video online, but the quality of your work will never match that of a professional with years of work under their belt.
After all, commercial roofing involves much more than a few nails and some elbow grease. You must consider factors like installing ventilation outlets, roof coatings, and drainage options. Every commercial roofing contractor at Atlas is vetted and has years of training and experience, to handle the most complex commercial roofing projects in Van Alstyne, TX.
Budgets are a big deal in the world of commercial roofing. Going over budget can mean the difference between completing a project and waiting for approval on funds. That's why our management team provides accurate estimates, detailed schedules, transparent deadlines, and consistent communication with our clients.
As business owners, we know how hectic day-to-day life can be and how maintaining your roof can be a huge headache. In a sense, these situations are why we founded Atlas National Roofing - to be the proverbial aspirin for your commercial roofing pains. Whether you need simple repairs for your storefront or a total roof replacement for a multi-family building, we're here to exceed expectations.
Our approach is simple - deliver the highest quality, professional roofing services in Van Alstyne, TX. Our keys to great roofing are:
Contact our office today to learn more about our full-service roofing solutions. If you're looking for a commercial roofing company that will help you maximize your investment, you're in the right place.
A few years ago, when international developer Risland US Holdings announced plans for a 6,000-home residential community at the edge of Grayson County north of Dallas, there were plenty of skeptics.“Everybody told me the location was too green” and ahead of its time, said Michael Hanschen, senior managing director of Risland US Holdings. “All those folks are now calling me for an opportunity to do a deal.”Risland’s 3,000-acre Mantua project on U.S. Highway 75 between the towns of Anna and Van Alsty...
A few years ago, when international developer Risland US Holdings announced plans for a 6,000-home residential community at the edge of Grayson County north of Dallas, there were plenty of skeptics.
“Everybody told me the location was too green” and ahead of its time, said Michael Hanschen, senior managing director of Risland US Holdings. “All those folks are now calling me for an opportunity to do a deal.”
Risland’s 3,000-acre Mantua project on U.S. Highway 75 between the towns of Anna and Van Alstyne has been a hit with homebuilders that have already gobbled up sites for more than 220 houses in the first phase.
“We are in city review for phase two for 324 more homes,” Hanschen said. “I hope to start construction in the first quarter.”
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The just-announced plans for a $30 billion Texas Instruments semiconductor plant with thousands of jobs in nearby Sherman will bring even more people to the area, Hanschen said.
“It’s going to be wonderful for the entire region,” he said, predicting that real estate developers will flock to Grayson County. “That’s going to be the trend going forward.
“Not that Collin and the other surrounding counties aren’t great. But there just isn’t as much development opportunity left as there is in Grayson County.”
The county has plenty of room to grow. In 2020, Grayson County had only around 135,500 residents — about half the population of Plano, the latest census records show.
Major homebuilders were already migrating north toward Sherman before the TI plant announcement.
Many of the new neighborhoods under construction in Van Alstyne, Howe and Melissa are closer to Oklahoma than to downtown Dallas.
“The area without question garners a lot of interest from builders,” said Ted Wilson, principal with Dallas-based housing analyst Residential Strategies. “With the TI plant happening, that’s more reason to look up there.”
Wilson said the town of Melissa in north Collin County has added thousands of homes and is close to build-out.
“Van Alstyne is in full bloom, and one of the major builders, K. Hovnanian, is going into Howe,” he said. “You see development going all the way up to the Sherman area.
“It’s amazing how development has moved north.”
Originally, builders migrated to Grayson County seeking sites to build more affordable houses. But prices in that area, as in the rest of North Texas, are rising steadily.
“To look at half-million-dollar homes in Van Alstyne is stunning,” Wilson said.
Property agents are already scouting more construction sites in Grayson County, he said.
Top North Texas land broker Rex Glendenning has been selling big tracts of land in Grayson County and expects a surge in interest because of TI’s investment.
“It’s the biggest real thing that has ever happened to Sherman,” Glendenning said. “This should be a huge windfall for Sherman, and the growth should bring more of the homebuilders up into that part of the world.
“The communities just south of Sherman like Howe, Van Alstyne and Gunter will reap big dividends from the announcement.”
Glendenning said the last time he saw such a buzz about the area was back in the 1980s, when rumors spread that General Motors would build its Saturn automotive assembly plant near Sherman. That plant wound up in Tennessee.
“Everybody went up there and bought land speculating the auto plant would come in,” he said. “That’s really the last time Sherman experienced any white-hot hype.
“This is not hype — this is reality.”
Related:Texas Instruments selects Sherman for potential $30 billion semiconductor chipmaking campus
As major manufacturers of semiconductor chips expand with massive projects in Sherman just north of Van Alstyne, officials in the small southeastern Grayson County city are positioning to get in on the action.The efforts underway in the city, whose motto is “Proud Past, Bright Future,” highlights how success on the economic development front in one city can provide opportunities that spill into surrounding communities.“We see what Sherman is doing, and we’re looking to bring in companies and industry tha...
As major manufacturers of semiconductor chips expand with massive projects in Sherman just north of Van Alstyne, officials in the small southeastern Grayson County city are positioning to get in on the action.
The efforts underway in the city, whose motto is “Proud Past, Bright Future,” highlights how success on the economic development front in one city can provide opportunities that spill into surrounding communities.
“We see what Sherman is doing, and we’re looking to bring in companies and industry that supports the chip manufacturing,” said Rodney Williams, executive director of Community & Economic Development for Van Alstyne.
Van Alstyne, with a population of about 6,500, has had a couple of recent wins in the city’s Cold Springs Industrial Park, where construction is underway in a second phase. A new street linking the park to County Line Road is slated to open by the end of the month.
Allen Commercial Millwork will build a roughly 44,000-square-foot facility in the industrial park. DreamLine Windows & Doors, a manufacturer of glass doors and windows, is moving its headquarters and a manufacturing facility totaling more than 100,000 square feet to 7.5 acres the company bought in the industrial park.
DreamLine may also build an events center for the city on part of the property.
“They’ve been proactive with not only wanting to bring their headquarters here, but wanting to engage with the community, which is a nice partnership,” said Tiffany Chartier, executive administrator of Van Alstyne Community & Economic Development.
In Sherman, 15 miles north of Van Alstyne, Texas Instruments broke ground in May on what will ultimately be up to four new semiconductor wafer fabrication plants at a cost of roughly $30 billion. The project by Dallas-based TI is expected to create 3,200 jobs.
In addition, GlobiTech in June announced plans to build a $5 billion plant in Sherman that’s expected to create 1,500 new jobs and turn out more than 1 million silicon wafers monthly when production begins as early as 2025.
Williams and Chartier expect Van Alstyne’s already bustling single-family and multifamily housing market to get busier with the influx of workers at the semiconductor plants going in nearby.
Year-to-date through July, the number of single-family home permits in Van Alstyne is up 24% to 290, compared to 234 issued in the same time period last year.
Van Alstyne ended last year with 399 building permits, which was up sharply from 52 in all of 2018, 109 in 2019, and 156 permits in all of 2020.
In the interview that follows, Williams and Chartier discuss the developments in Van Alstyne.
What differentiates Van Alstyne and what’s driving its growth?
Williams:Van Alstyne is in a unique place because we're exactly equidistant from Grayson County and Collin County. We're 15 minutes from the county seat of each.
McKinney has a downtown historic downtown. We have one, and Sherman has one. So it's odd how we kind of mirror. Our downtown is actually laid out like McKinney's. We're not McKinney. Obviously, we're much smaller. But in recent years, we've seen what I call a suburban flight. We've seen quite a few move-ins from as close as Prosper, definitely Dallas, Allen, and California. A lot from California. Our residential numbers are blowing up. We have a lot of ETJ (extra-territorial jurisdiction) land. We have 70 square miles of ETJ.
How is your economic development structured in Van Alstyne?
Williams: We have CDC (Community Development) and EDC (Economic Development). Since we're under 20,000 (population), our CDC is commercial and retail, quality of life projects, all in one. EDC is strictly focused on industrial manufacturing. That's our industrial park. It's an 80-acre park. We just purchased Phase II, which was 40 acres, probably two years ago. We continue to go through the park and link two roads, 3133 and FM 377, which will be a feeder straight to 75. That is just about to open, which is a big deal for us.
How will that work?
Williams: FM 377 becomes County Line Road, and County Line Road goes straight to 75. The city is working with the county to straighten it and widen it. We're hoping to move 90% of our truck traffic, and semi traffic, down that road on the south end of town. That’s why this road is really important.
What’s the tie-in with Sherman?
Williams: Initially I thought we would have land for companies coming to support the Sherman project. That (industrial park land) sold out so quickly we don't. So we are going to be buying more land. We just took out a $2.4 million bond to buy more land to build more industrial, and we are looking to bring in companies and industry that support chip manufacturing.
We are unique because our south into town has been planned well. The south end of town is zoned industrial. We're trying to keep everything relatively clean. It's not green by any means. but we also are not doing cement batch plants and rubber plants and that sort of thing. So our next phase then, phase three of our expansion, is going to be expanding the industrial park. We're trying to get land around it now. And we're going to start trying to attract those chip manufacturers.
How is your housing market?
Williams: We've got land and we've got builders building homes anywhere from $230,000 to $2 million if you want. So these thousands of employees coming in to Sherman are going to need a place to live. We think we're set up. We've got an apartment complex called The Brooks that's expanding into phase II, adding 100 units. We see ourselves as being in a good spot to help that expansion to Sherman.
Chartier: It's a great place to live, work and play. It caters to the family who wants to get away from the city and have a home on, let's say, three acres. Or if you didn't want that, then you could have a little studio loft apartment in the city. It gives you both of those, depending on what you're looking for.
What’s your strategy for bringing in companies to support chip manufacturers?
We've just started the process of figuring out who we're talking to, what their needs are, and what companies will actually support these companies. We're probably the only town between Sherman and McKinney that has industrial land. So our next purchase, which we'd like to be 30 to 40 acres at least, really set that up to benefit what Sherman's doing. They've done such a great job, we just want to kind of play off that.
What type of companies?
We don’t know (yet). Companies that provide logistics, for instance. There are raw suppliers to the chip industry that provide the raw plastic and rubber and that sort of thing. Not rubber factories, but just providers. It's hard right now because while this has been announced and talked about for a while, they haven't started building anything yet. So we're still trying to figure out the parameters of what they need, who they need, and how much of it they need.
This interview was edited for clarity and brevity.
Ranked by Population Growth Rate 2016-2020
Rank | City | Population Growth Rate 2016-2020 |
---|---|---|
1 | Celina | 128.2% |
2 | Princeton | 78.0% |
3 | Melissa | 56.2% |
View This List |
Ranked by Total local employment
Rank | Company | Total local employment |
---|---|---|
1 | Lockheed Martin | 22,000 |
2 | General Motors Arlington Assembly | 10,512 |
3 | Raytheon Intelligence & Space | 7,476 |
View This List |
The Sulphur Springs JV team hosted Van Alstyne, Thursday night for a game at home where they traded points for most of the evening.Van Alstyne started the game with a loss of 10 yards on a failed reverse attempt. The Wildcats defense held strong following two plays forcing a quick 3-and-out. The Wildcats started their first drive with excellent field position at the Van Alstyne 30. Even with the good field position the offense could not take advantage of the short field turning the ball over on downs.The Panthers started their ...
The Sulphur Springs JV team hosted Van Alstyne, Thursday night for a game at home where they traded points for most of the evening.
Van Alstyne started the game with a loss of 10 yards on a failed reverse attempt. The Wildcats defense held strong following two plays forcing a quick 3-and-out. The Wildcats started their first drive with excellent field position at the Van Alstyne 30. Even with the good field position the offense could not take advantage of the short field turning the ball over on downs.
The Panthers started their second drive moving the ball on the ground picking up multiple first downs. Van Alstyne converted a third down with a short swing pass to the right. After a nice tackle for a loss by Braxton Wall. Van Alstyne went back to the air with a short pass to the right to move the chains putting the Panthers at first and goal at the 4 yard line. Van Alstyne score on a quarterback keeper. The two point conversion was stopped in the backfield. Panthers took an early 6-0 lead.
After a nice 20 yard kickoff return by Ervine Iverson the Wildcats offense took over at their own 45. Kaden Mitchell and Iverson connection picked up two first downs taking the ball deep into Panther territory. Mitchell followed up with a first down completion to Chris Adams. Drake White crossed the plane and scored on a seven yard pass from Mitchell. Christobol Torres’ extra point was good putting the Wildcats out in front 7-6.
A bad snap on first down resulted in a Van Alstyne loss of 15. The Wildcats’ defense held strong forcing a punt. Dedrick Rose-Luke had a 30 yard return giving the Wildcats excellent starting field position again at the Panthers’ 40. The first play of the drive Jaylen Thompson carried the ball violently for a gain of 13. On the next play Mitchell went back to his favorite target Iverson but the Panthers’ secondary committed a pass interference giving the Wildcats a first down and goal at the eight. Mitchell’s pass to Colton Privit took the ball to the five. Adams scored on 4-yard pass on an out route to the left. Torres’ extra point was true again making the score 14-6.
The Wildcats’ defense gave away an excellent opportunity to hold the Panthers deep in their own territory when Van Alstyne’s reciever broke a 30-yard gain on third down. The Van Alstyne offense then steadily moved the ball down the field helped by a Wildcats personal foul. The Panthers scored on a quarterback sweep and converted a 2-point conversion to tie the game at 14-14.
The Wildcats’ special team came through again with an excellent return by Adams. Form the Panthers’ 45-yard-line the Sulphur Springs offense was able to put up enough yardage to put themselves in position for a late field goal by Torres with 13 seconds left in the half to make the score 17-14.
Van Alstyne attempted an onside kick on the opening play of the second half. The kick went out of bounds giving the Cats the ball on the Van Alstyne 41. Struggling to gain momentum on the first three downs the Wildcat offense was forced into fourth and long where Mitchell gained crucial yards with a pass to Iverson. On the next play Mitchell went back to another first down pass to Adams. A quick strike to Wyatt Watson gained 8 yards. Thompson was able to pick up a first down with a strong run. Watson scored on a reception from Mitchell on a slant through the middle. Torres continued his perfect night adding his third extra point.
On the ensuing kickoff the Panthers took the return back for 80 yards and a touchdown. Wildcats defense denied the 2 point conversion. 24-20 Wildcats lead.
Mitchell came out firing on the next possession with a 12-yard pass the Watson. The Cats’ O-Line opened up holes for Rose-Luke who took four carries in a row for 40 yards and an eventual touchdown. Again the extra point was right down the middle and Sulphur Springs extended their lead 31-20.
The Panthers’ offense stayed on the ground and was able to pick up one first down. But the Cats stopped Van Alstyne on fourth and short. Turning the ball over on downs.
Sulphur Springs picked up a first down on a defensive holding penalty. Then Mitchell came right back with pass to Iverson for 17 more yards. A holding penalty on the Cats set them back 10 yards. On the next play the Wildcats’s offense made their first mistake of the night when a pass was picked off at the 20-yard line.
Van Alstyne did not fade into the night. The Panthers consistently moved the chains culminating in a touchdown on the ground. Once again the defense denied the 2-point attempt. The Cats lead was cut to 31-26.
Van Alstyne failed for a second time on an onside kick. The Wildcats offense started on the Panthers’ 41-yard line. A combination of Thompson and Rose-Luke on the ground gained 20 yards. Rose-Luke used his offensive line to take the ball down to the 6-yard line. The steady diet on the ground continued with carries by Rose-Luke to the 2 and then Mitchell called his own number with a short run into the end zone. Torres’ fifth extra point was good extending the lead to 38-26.
The Wildcats’ defense took the ball back with a fumble recovery by Barrett Thesing. On the next play Thompson picked up 30 yards on a physical run through the middle of the Van Alstyne defense. The Cats kept the ball on the ground and ran out the clock the secure a 38-26 win.
Submitted by: Allison Libby-Thesing
Stephan Nedwetzky’s circuitous path to becoming a barbecue joint owner in tiny Van Alstyne, about an hour north of Dallas, has been filled with pitfalls and second-guessing. The native of Dallas’s Pleasant Grove neighborhood spent his adolescent years in Rochester, New York, but after leaving the Marines in 1999, he came back home to Texas. “Being a Texan, I missed barbecue so much,” he said. He starting smoking in his backyard in Plano while running a landscaping company. After entering a barbecue competition in 2010...
Stephan Nedwetzky’s circuitous path to becoming a barbecue joint owner in tiny Van Alstyne, about an hour north of Dallas, has been filled with pitfalls and second-guessing. The native of Dallas’s Pleasant Grove neighborhood spent his adolescent years in Rochester, New York, but after leaving the Marines in 1999, he came back home to Texas. “Being a Texan, I missed barbecue so much,” he said. He starting smoking in his backyard in Plano while running a landscaping company. After entering a barbecue competition in 2010 (even though Nedwetzky describes everything he turned in as “horrible”), he caught the bug. “It started to interfere with my landscaping business,” he said. So he shut it down to focus on barbecue.
“Everyone either laughed at me or told me I was stupid,” Nedwetzky said of the response to his decision. He wondered if everyone was right until he served what he considered the perfect brisket at a pop-up event. Will Fleischman, then-pitmaster at Lockhart Smokehouse, tried it and was impressed. “That’s still the best one that I’ve ever cooked,” Nedwetzky said. When a second Lockhart Smokehouse location opened in Plano in 2014, Fleischman asked him to come aboard. Nedwetzky worked there and at Smoke in Plano in what he calls brief stints before getting his own food truck. He called it Pit Commander Barbecue, his original competition team name. Nedwetzky chose the name because people said his long beard gave him a resemblance to Phil “Duck Commander” Robertson from the Duck Dynasty reality show. The “pit” part refers both to the old brick pit his father, who was a mason, built at his childhood home and to the mosh pit he helped whip into a frenzy while playing guitar for the heavy-metal band Lethargy during his days in Rochester. Either way, he said the name is a heck of a lot easier to pronounce than Nedwetzky Barbecue.
Pit Commander struggled to make a mark in the DFW scene, so in the winter of 2016, Nedwetzky loaded up some Texas post oak and went to Fort Myers, Florida. His sister lived there and selfishly wanted some good Texas barbecue nearby. “That’s where it really took off,” Nedwetzky said. His month-long visit turned into six months. But the draw of Texas was strong, and he returned in the summer. That’s when Yolanda Russotti, a woman he knew from Rochester, came to visit. “The first time I tried his brisket, I was like, ‘Will you marry me?’ ” she said with a laugh. She moved to Texas a month later. They married and now have a young daughter together.
The family alternated between Florida and Texas and rotated between serving barbecue and slinging barbecue pizzas under the name Texapolitan Pizza. In 2019, Nedwetzky and Russotti found what they thought would be their permanent barbecue home in the East Texas town of Murchison, but they closed their restaurant there in March 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic began. Nedwetzky couldn’t find a barbecue joint to hire him, so he worked for Chipotle by day and Pizza Hut by night to make ends meet. The couple headed back to Florida dejected, thinking they’d had enough of trying to succeed in Texas barbecue.
Then, out of nowhere, the State Fair of Texas emerged repeatedly in Nedwetzky’s dreams while back in Florida. “I kept waking up in the middle of the night smelling the fair,” he said. He checked the fair’s website last year and saw that it was accepting applications for new vendors. He submitted Texapolitan, and it was accepted. The couple took it as a sign to come back to Texas. After positive feedback from the fair’s organizers, the duo put a deposit down on a $30,000 wood-fired pizza oven from Italy. A month after moving back to Plano, they got word that a barbecue joint in downtown Van Alstyne had closed and the space was available. They took it and opened Pit Commander Barbecue last July.
As the couple started to build the business, they had to close the restaurant so they could serve at the fair in September. They made a daily average of 280 pizzas, topped with freshly smoked pork belly burnt ends, for 24 straight days. They credit the folks at Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que, a longtime fair vendor, for acting as their mentors and helping them through the process. Now they can’t wait for the fair to fire back up this year, but there’s plenty of barbecue to cook in the meantime.
Pit Commander Barbecue is open Thursday through Saturday for lunch. This past weekend was its most successful, with an early sellout on Saturday. I was there on Thursday for a second visit. The first, back in November, was a mixed bag of excellence and disappointment, but the restaurant was navigating a broken water line in the kitchen. This trip was far better, and I finally got to try those pork belly burnt ends from the famous State Fair pizza. They were perfectly cooked and heavily seasoned and glazed. The salt and sugar competed for dominance with the clean smoke flavor. I actually preferred the thick slice of pork belly, which Pit Commander sells as bacon brisket, an apparent homage to Dayne’s Craft Barbecue, in Fort Worth. It was more subtle than the burnt ends and seemed to melt on my tongue.
Nedwetzky is trying a few brisket suppliers to find the right quantity and quality of fat. He thought the lean side of what he was smoking this past weekend was on the dry side, and I agreed, though it was plenty tender, with a nice line of rendered fat on top. There will be a new brand of beef on the smoker this week.
Nedwetzky learned to make sausage at an old German butcher shop in Florida, and he uses those skills at the restaurant. I loved the jalapeño-cheese link, which was bursting with juice when I bit into it. Ask for it unsliced to get the most out of the experience. There were plenty of jalapeño chunks, but the spiciness was pretty tame. The bacon-wrapped jalapeños brought a bit more heat, and the bacon was nicely crisp. The tender spareribs got a hefty dose of rub and a splash of sauce, but the flavors dissipated in the foil wrap. I had planned to try the pulled pork, but it was off the menu. “We couldn’t sell a butt to save our lives,” Russotti said.
She makes all the sides, though most are Nedwetzky’s recipes. The potato salad was a bit soupy and spicy, which is how his folks like to make it. I liked the crunchy slaw, and the sweet broccoli salad was a good way to get something healthy. The mac and cheese made with creamy queso was tasty, but it was the pinto beans, in a savory broth spiked with chunks of tomatoes, onions, and brisket, that spoke to me most.
Russotti also makes all the sandwich buns from scratch. She uses a simple, Austrian-style white-bread dough to make knotted rolls. To me, it was reminiscent of a pretzel bun, though paler in color. It was perfect for the daily special of a thick, smoked brisket burger topped with American cheese, barbecue sauce, and pickles. The signature dessert is an Italian love cake, whose recipe is from Russotti’s family. To give it a Texas barbecue feel, Nedwetzky added bananas to the mix, creating Banana Love Cake and a potential rift in familial relations for messing with a recipe. I enjoyed it, though it wasn’t as sweet as I’d expected.
Van Alstyne is right in the middle of a dead zone for Texas barbecue along U.S. 75, and Pit Commander Barbecue fills the void admirably. When Nedwetzky and Russotti found the location, they hoped their joint could become a community favorite, but they knew it would take time for word to spread. Business is building slowly, but, Russotti said, “we’re still gambling on us, and we believe in what we’re doing.” If the barbecue joint flourishes, the next move will be a brick-and-mortar for Texapolitan Pizza. “Pizza is easier and the profit margins are insanely better,” Nedwetzky said, adding that making barbecue is more stressful than making pizza. So why not focus on pizza? “We’d still have to make barbecue for the pizza,” he said, so they might as well plan for both. Russotti said it’s also about building a solid foundation for their young daughter, who suffers from spina bifida. “We want to leave her something that’s going to take care of her for the rest of her life when we’re gone.” I think the community is up to the task, if only so we can keep a family of barbecue diehards in Texas and out of Florida.
Pit Commander Barbecue224 E. Jefferson, Van AlstynePhone: 972-400-0234Hours: Thursday–Saturday 11–3Pitmaster: Stephan NedwetzkyMethod: Oak in an offset smokerYear opened: 2022
FORT WORTH — With a 47-36 victory over Van Alstyne on Tuesday night, the Godley Lady Cats are heading to the Class 4A Region II tournament this weekend.The Lady Cats jumped on Van Alstyne early and held a 16-3 lead at the end of the first quarter en route to a 26-10 halftime lead.The strong start for Godley — the 16-3 run to open the game, in particular — proved to be the difference as Van Alstyne tried to battle back and make things interesting in the second half, but the outcome was never truly in doubt....
FORT WORTH — With a 47-36 victory over Van Alstyne on Tuesday night, the Godley Lady Cats are heading to the Class 4A Region II tournament this weekend.
The Lady Cats jumped on Van Alstyne early and held a 16-3 lead at the end of the first quarter en route to a 26-10 halftime lead.
The strong start for Godley — the 16-3 run to open the game, in particular — proved to be the difference as Van Alstyne tried to battle back and make things interesting in the second half, but the outcome was never truly in doubt.
Godley Coach Mark Chauveaux said foul trouble and moments of sloppy play allowed Van Alstyne (22-11) to hang around a little in the second half.
“I thought early on we played to the scout really well and just seemed really connected on both ends of the floor,” he said. “Our press offense was good, our defense was really good. I just feel like we played really connected.
“At some point in there, we just got a little sloppy and got in some foul trouble. I think Logan [Reed] picked up her third at some point in the second quarter. Logan, Kinlee [Smith] and Bree [Hubbard] each finished with four fouls. We just got a little sloppy in the middle part of the game and first part of fourth quarter. But I think we played well enough at the beginning of the game to where it was pretty much out of reach for them.”
It is Godley’s first appearance at the regional tournament since the Lady Cats’ exhilarating run to the state tournament in 2016-17. Many of Godley’s current players cheered on the 2016-17 Lady Cats and Chauveaux said it’s their turn now.
“I’m just happy for them,” he said. “It’s their turn, it’s their team and they obviously worked hard for quite a while to get to this point. I’m just happy to have them advance this far. ... I’ve said this before, but you don’t get to choose who you’re playing in the playoffs and sometimes you run into a team that’s incredibly hot and anything can happen in any round. So far this year it’s gone our way and I couldn’t be more happy for these kids.”
Four players scored at least nine points for the No. 20 Lady Cats (28-7) in Tuesday’s win: junior Logan Reed had a team-high 10, while freshman Kinlee Smith, junior Reese Tennery and junior Alyssa Jimenez each netted nine points.
While the balanced scoring was a big factor, Chauveaux said everyone who got in the game for Godley made winning plays at some point.
“I don’t know if I can single everybody out but several players had significant plays that don’t show up in the stats, whether it be a loose ball or a significant rebound or just solid passes against a team like Van Alstyne, who uses man press and tries to pressure you the entire game,” he said. “You need people that might now show up in the books but are going to make the tough plays for your team and I’d say everybody contributed to that.
“As far as the balanced scoring, it’s not really anything that we talk about or we try to concern ourselves with very much. We just need to score enough points to win the game no matter where it comes from. But I was happy to see most of our players contribute in that regard.”
Chauveaux pointed out the defensive play of Jimenez and the overall play of Reed as key factors against Van Alstyne.
“AJ had a pretty good game,” Chauveaux said. “She played really good defensively. Van Alstyne is a team that is predominantly guards so AJ had to stretch out on defense a little bit and guard the perimeter more than she’s asked to do on a typical basis and she did a really good job.
“Logan, kind of like the game before, sometimes it takes a minute to find her stride but she’s just a phenomenal athlete and a horrible match-up for most teams because she’s big enough to play inside but has guard skills and can jump out of the gym. I would hate to have to prepare to go against her.”
One factor that likely helped Godley get off to a fast start was the support the Lady Cats have received from their community, playing in front of a packed crowd at Keller Central High School.
“Our fans have been just phenomenal, really all year but especially during this playoff run,” Chauveaux said. “I would think for the opposition it’s a little bit disheartening when you look at our side and it’s completely full every single game and people are going nuts. It’s a great atmosphere on our side and I couldn’t be more happy to be able to coach at a place and be a part of a program that has that much community support.”
What makes Godley’s playoff run intriguing is this is only the start of something special. In some ways, the Lady Cats are a year ahead of schedule. Godley doesn’t have a single senior on its roster as the Lady Cats rely on a strong junior class along with a couple of key contributors who are sophomores and freshmen.
“People have mentioned that or asked that quite a bit and I think for these kids, without having a senior, they’ve had to grow up quicker,” Chauveaux said. “For some of them, they’ve had to come out of their shell a little bit earlier than they typically would have if they had some senior leadership. But I can’t think of anything that is negative about not having a senior as long as you’ve got people on your team that have the ability to lead. I think going forward, they’re going to be that much more seasoned and mature going into next year.”
Up next for the No. 20-ranked Lady Cats is a showdown with No. 7-ranked Sunnyvale (30-6) in the Class 4A Region II semifinals.
Sunnyvale has playoff wins of 72-19 over Dallas Roosevelt in bi-district, 56-30 over Canton in area and 52-41 over Dallas Lincoln in the regional quarterfinals.
In Sunnyvale’s round 3 win over Lincoln, senior guard Micah Russell scored a game-high 28 points while sophomore Alli McAda added 15 points.
Godley and Sunnyvale have four common opponents this year in Maypearl, Kennedale, Waxahachie Life and Van Alstyne.
The Lady Cats and Lady Raiders each beat Maypearl and Waxahachie Life in lopsided victories. While Godley went 1-1 in its two district meetings vs. Kennedale with a 50-46 win and a 58-50 loss, Sunnyvale suffered a 63-61 loss to Kennedale on Nov. 15. Sunnyvale also dropped a 32-27 decision to Van Alstyne on Dec. 1 while the Lady Cats just beat Van Alstyne on Tuesday.
However, Chauveaux said to take those common opponent results with a grain of salt.
“I think they had a key injury when they played some of those games so they probably were not the exact same team then that we’ll be playing Friday,” he said.
Chauveaux said he has immense respect for the Lady Raiders and Coach Jill McDill, who led Sunnyvale to a state championship in 2014-15. McDill previously coached Rockwall to three state final appearances, including an undefeated season and state championship in 2007. She was selected on the UIL’s “100 Years, 100 Coaches” list, honoring the top girls basketball coaches in Texas high school history, as part of the UIL’s 100-year anniversary.
“We’re just now hitting the film pretty hard, but I do know I’ve got a ton of respect for their coach and their program,” Chauveaux said. “Jill has done a terrific job there. Before there she was at Rockwall and won a state championship there. They’re going to be well-coached. They’re not going to be a team that will beat themselves. I can’t foresee this game being filled with a lot of turnovers. I think it’s going to be a good, solid basketball game and hopefully enjoyable to watch for the people that come out there and show up.”
Godley and Sunnyvale are scheduled for an 8 p.m. tipoff Friday at the Texas A&M University-Commerce Field House.
The other Class 4A Region II semifinal game features Dallas Pinkston (25-11) vs. Frisco Panther Creek (24-12) at 6 p.m. Friday.
The winners of the two semifinal games will meet at 3 p.m. Saturday for the right to advance to the UIL state tournament in San Antonio.