The Finn Adds Dozier’s BBQ and Hot Peckers to Their Lineup
The Legendary Smokehouse Opens Its First-ever Second Location and Hot Peckers Brings Bold Heat to Downtown Dining Destination
The Finn – Houston (“The Finn”), downtown’s chef-driven culinary destination located at the landmark Jones on Main at 712 Main Street, has officially filled its final two available vendor stalls with the arrival of two exciting concepts: legendary Texas smokehouse Dozier’s BBQ and the bold, new hot-chicken concept Hot Peckers. Both concepts will open Monday, December 1, marking a major milestone in The Finn’s evolution into a fully activated food and social venue.
Director of Operations Peter Grisaffe adds, “Our goal has always been to create a dining destination that feels like the heartbeat of downtown and a place where guests can gather, connect, and experience the best of Houston’s culinary culture under one roof. Adding Dozier’s and Hot Peckers strengthens that mission and deepens the community we’re building here.”
Dozier’s BBQ brings deep-rooted Texas barbecue history to downtown Houston. Founded in 1957 by Ed Dozier, who later became a well-known contender in the inaugural years of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Bar-B-Que Contest, the Fulshear smokehouse built a devoted following over decades and served everyone from U.S. presidents to visiting prime ministers and well-known actors. Now, under the direction of Ed’s great-grandson Tyler Risinger, the brand begins a new era. The Finn location marks Dozier’s first expansion outside of Fulshear and only its second location in the brand’s nearly 70-year history.
“I’ve always taken a lot of pride in our family’s history and in the work that started back in 1957,” said Tyler Risinger. “My background in restaurant management, catering and operations has built on that foundation. Opening our first expansion at The Finn is a chance to bring the same barbecue, service, and hospitality that made Dozier’s a part of this community for generations to downtown Houston.”
The Dozier’s menu at The Finn will mirror the Fulshear offerings while introducing several new items. Guests can expect classic one-, two-, and three-meat plates featuring brisket, turkey, chicken, sausage, and ribs; fully loaded baked potatoes; and sides including green beans, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans. Desserts will include pecan pie and banana pudding. New to the downtown location are full-time menu additions such as chicken-fried steak, a smoked turkey BLT, and a brisket grilled cheese. Dozier’s will also debut breakfast service exclusively at The Finn, including breakfast tacos and kolaches.
Joining Dozier’s at The Finn is Hot Peckers, the newest concept from Mark Tiu, Sonny Nguyen, and Chris Nguyen, the team behind the popular Fire Noodz stall already operating at the downtown dining destination. Hot Peckers brings a playful, high-energy interpretation of hot chicken rooted in bold flavor, approachability, and Houston’s adventurous culinary spirit.
“The Finn has always felt like home for us,” said co-founder Mark Tiu. “Fire Noodz grew here because the guests, the energy, and the community embraced our creativity. With Hot Peckers, we’re bringing that same spirit to a new category: fun, flavorful, a little cheeky, and unmistakably Houston. We’re thrilled to open our second concept here on December 1.”
The Hot Peckers menu will include two- and three-piece tender plates; a signature hot chicken sandwich; and specialty items such as Mac Me, Pecker!, their creamy mac and cheese topped with tenders, and the Pecker Pile Up, loaded tots piled high with tenders. The Mac Daddy Pecker sandwich pairs a hot tender with creamy mac and cheese on a toasted bun, while the Hot Pecker Salad features crispy chicken over fresh greens. Guests can complement their meal with classic sides like mac and cheese, tater tots, and slaw, and enjoy three house-made dipping sauces. Hot Peckers also offers six spice levels, from mild to Reaper, letting diners customize the heat to their taste.
With nearly a dozen food vendor concepts, a vinyl-listening lounge and bar, a rooftop patio, and ongoing public programming, The Finn serves a broad mix of downtown residents, office workers and visitors. Dozier’s BBQ and Hot Peckers join existing offerings including Papalo Taqueria — recently recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand — HiFi at The Finn, Nyam Nyam, and Proper Burger.
For more information, visit www.thefinnhou.com.