Inside the Big Tex Choice Awards: Ruth Hauntz and the Team Behind the Winning Best Taste Dish

This year’s Big Tex Choice Award for Best Taste was claimed by Ruth Hauntz, a seasoned Texas State Fair concessionaire, and her partners Juan and Brent Reaves. The Reaves brothers—owners of Dallas’s popular Smokey John’s Bar B Que and finalists with their Deep Fried Bacon Burger Dog Slider on a Stick—joined Ruth to discuss the creation of this season’s most celebrated dish.

Q: How do you guys know each other?

Juan: Ruth’s husband and our father had a longstanding friendship. He worked as a real‑estate broker and once installed a roof on Ruth’s home. As a token of gratitude, he presented them with a smoked turkey—though it turned out to be a bit overcooked.

Ruth: It was a small gesture.

Juan: Over the years he honed his smoking skills. We celebrate 40 years of collaboration this year, and Ruth has been a partner since 1994—making 22 years of joint business. For the past 3–4 years, the trio has operated together at the State Fair. Working together keeps us energized and youthful.

Q: How did this idea come to life?

Ruth: We started with three ideas—one from each of us—and Juan was the one who perfected the Jell‑O concept.

Juan: It was a team effort. Fried Jell‑O seemed like a natural fit. As kids, who didn’t love Jell‑O? We decided cherry was the most iconic flavor and experimented with frying it. Brent did the homework and figured out how to keep its texture. We’re proud of the result.

Q: How did you figure out the recipe?

Brent: We spent roughly a month refining the recipe and only achieved the final version on the morning of the competition. By then we were elated: ‘It finally worked!’ We began experimenting with pancake batter.

Juan: Our trials included pancake batter and croissant dough, taking several weeks of research. Finding a crucial ingredient proved challenging until we discovered how to keep the Jell‑O firm enough for frying.

Brent: It became clear that only real Jell‑O would work; substitutes wouldn’t hold.

Juan: We even tested pizza dough. In the end, we arrived at a version that Brent perfected, ensuring the Jell‑O retained its structure.

Brent: A special ingredient ensures the Jell‑O maintains its shape.

Q: What does being finalists in the Big Tex Choice Awards mean to you?

Ruth: It’s the pinnacle of the State Fair experience. Throughout the year, we brainstorm and refine entries, and reaching the semi‑finals is a top goal.

Juan: The awards allow us to showcase our creativity and teamwork. Ultimately, they open doors for further opportunities, which is exhilarating.

Brent: Ultimately, we want to see Ruth succeed. At 82, she remains vibrant and dedicated. Having her dish reach the finals after decades of hard work is the most rewarding outcome.

Q: What does the State Fair mean to you?

Brent: The State Fair is both fun and demanding. Having grown up around it, our 35‑year presence has become an integral part of our lives, evoking cherished childhood memories.

Juan: To me, the State Fair represents family. Our family has been involved for generations, and now my children are joining the business. It fosters a sense of camaraderie among vendors, many of whom become close friends beyond the fair.