Stiles Switch BBQ, an Austin-based barbecue restaurant known for its Texas-style smoked meats, is preparing to open a new location in Kyle at 18920 S I-35 Frontage Rd.
The restaurant has signed a lease for the former Z’Tejas space, which closed in June 2025, according to the Austin Business Journal. Landlord and former Z’Tejas owner Randy Cohen confirmed the agreement, and Stiles Switch can take over the property in January 2027. Renovations are estimated to cost approximately $500,000, with work scheduled to begin next month and completion targeted for mid-February 2027, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing. An opening date has not yet been announced.
Stiles Switch BBQ currently operates three locations in Central Texas: its original Austin restaurant, a Cedar Park location, and The Switch in Dripping Springs. The Kyle restaurant will add another location to the brand’s presence in the region. The restaurant was also named to Texas Monthly’s 2025 list of Top 50 BBQ Joints.
The original Stiles Switch BBQ opened in December 2011 at 6610 N. Lamar in Austin. The restaurant takes its name from a historic 1800s railroad stop in Central Texas and owner Shane Stiles. Its concept draws inspiration from the Texas barbecue restaurants Stiles grew up visiting, focusing on quality smoked meats and traditional barbecue preparation.
The menu features brisket, St. Louis pork ribs, pulled pork, smoked turkey, smoked chicken, and house-made sausages. Customers can also order barbecue sandwiches, meat plates with two sides, Texas Frito Pie, and oak-smoked chicken wings. Additional offerings include family packs, beef ribs, and desserts such as peach cobbler, banana pudding, and tres leches cake.
