What is Drake’s Yoke?
If you haven’t had the opportu-
nity to eat at Drake’s Yoke yet, it is a
place unique to both Parker County
and Texas. It is a southern kitchen
serving all of Parker County, conve-
niently located in Willow Park. One
of the anchored businesses in the
new Wilkes Development, Drake’s
has been embraced by the commu-
nity. Named after the persistent and
resilient workers who raised Drake’s
Yoke in the oilfield, the restaurant has
all the ambience and atmosphere of a
working rig.
“We are blessed to be in a great
community with lots of love,“ Rhodes
said. “They provide support through
their marketing and I couldn’t think
of a better place for us to be.”
Decorated with what owner Ryan
Stockard wanted in a restaurant,
including the handmade taps behind
the bar, it takes more than one visit
to see all the different art objects,
collectables and relics incorpo-
rated into the décor throughout the
restaurant.
Stockard is the former managing
partner of the Weatherford location
of Copper Creek where Rhodes was
executive chef. Stockard has also
been running a successful business
out of Abilene for over a decade.
With a background at Pappadeaux
and Pappa’s Brothers restaurants,
Stockard brought all the strength and
knowledge of the restaurant industry
with him to his business, while bring-
ing a unique experience to Parker
County.
“Drake’s Yoke provides a dining
experience and is one of the only
open kitchens in Parker County with
a fully open concept kitchen. We
barbecue over mesquite and oak
wood, with craft beers and hand-
crafted cocktails. We have the ability
and privilege to change someone’s
attitude with not just a smiling face
but with our food. If we affect your
day in a positive manner, that is our
privilege to do. If you want to make a
change, be part of it,” he said.
Rhodes credits his knowledge of
barbecue to his longtime friend Brian
Krier, owner of Baker’s Ribs.
“I learned everything I know
about barbecue from him. I worked
with him for a number of years and
I would give them the shirt off my
back. The passion he has for his
barbecue was instilled in me and the
person that I am today. Seeing what
he did day in and day out — he just
does it all. That man and his wife do
so much in their business that it will
make your head hurt if you are not
operating at that level,” he said.
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