Our Story

Transforming a difficult moment into a source of positivity.

Hi, my name is Pete Treviño and I’m the owner and founder of Big Bertha BBQ Pit and the Big Bertha Foundation.

This mission began back in 2010 when my father passed away. In that moment of heartbreak, I was told by family and friends that I would have all the help I needed — but when the time came, that help never arrived. I was left grieving my father while also trying to figure out how to lay him to rest with dignity. Out of desperation, I hosted a BBQ benefit, and by God’s grace and the help of some family, we raised just enough to bury him.

Standing there in the middle of that pain, a thought struck me: If I was promised help and let down in my darkest moment, how many other families had been lied to, abandoned, or left without support when they needed it most? From that day on, I made a promise to myself — I was going to try something. I didn’t know if it would work, but I knew I had to try.

And here we are, in 2025, still going strong.

Through the years, people have come and gone, but the vision has never changed: to stand with families in their hardest moments and to be the support system they thought they’d never have. None of this would have been possible without the countless volunteers, donors, and friends who have stood alongside us. For that, I will forever be grateful.

In 2022, when the tragedy in Uvalde shook Texas and the world, I felt in my heart that we had to respond. I called on Corpus Christi to unite and help that community heal — and our city showed up in a way I’ll never forget. Since then, we’ve continued to return on the anniversary to feed the town and honor the precious lives that were taken.

In 2023, I received the KRIS 6 Angel Award. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. I’ve never done this for recognition or praise — helping each other should be second nature. But I accepted that award not for myself, but on behalf of every single person who has ever given their time, money, or heart to this mission.

Today, Big Bertha stands as more than just a BBQ pit — she’s an icon, a symbol of love, hope, and community. From Corpus Christi to towns across Texas and even into Oklahoma, she has been a vessel for compassion. What started as my personal heartbreak has grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that I pray will continue long after the good Lord calls me home.

Big Bertha means the world to me and my family. I promise that as long as I am able, Corpus Christi — and beyond — will always have Big Bertha standing ready to serve.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in this mission and being a part of it.

With love and gratitude,

Pete Treviño

CEO & Founder

Big Bertha Foundation