Process

Mill Scale is a small family business specializing in metal fabrication, focused on live-fire grills and bbq pits. Beyond the welding shop, they are a lifestyle brand that intends to connect with people over food from the backyard to commercial restaurants and the outdoors, located in Lockhart, The BBQ Capital of the World!

From our initial conversations, it was clear that the Johnsons have ambitious goals, particularly for their new retail space. They envision a prominent store that warmly welcomes both locals and tourists, offering them a taste of Lockhart's BBQ culture. As visitors explore the space, they'll also get a firsthand look at the full-scale metal fabrication happening right on-site.

Our design for Mill Scale encompasses a 10,000 sqft fabrication shop, enabling their team to produce their entire line of equipment. Crucially, the design integrates a retail area where customers can experience the quality of Mill Scale's products firsthand – touching them, feeling their craftsmanship, and imagining them at home. The store will also proudly highlight the strong relationships Mill Scale has built with partners and the community over the years.

Beyond just retail and production, the design aims to create a true "third place" – a welcoming hub for the community that has supported Mill Scale's growth. Their annual "Lockhart Rising" event, which showcases their ambassadors and celebrates the surrounding community, perfectly embodies this spirit of giving back. This underlying intention has always been a key part of the Mill Scale story.

We're thrilled about the progress and look forward to sharing more as the next phases of this exciting project unfold. Much more to come!