Billy Bob’s Texas celebrates 45 years with retirement party for Billy Minick
Billy Bob’s Texas celebrated its 45th anniversary by saying goodbye to an icon.
The “world’s largest honky-tonk” opened in the Fort Worth Stockyards on April 1, 1981. For the past four plus decades, the venue has welcomed such names as George Strait, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks and many more.
On Wednesday, April 1, around 100 people attended the club’s 45th anniversary celebration and retirement party for Billy Minick.
Minick, a Fort Worth native, has been with Billy Bob’s since the beginning. While initially hired to oversee bull riding at the club, his role grew to general manager and even part owner.
“What a turnout,” Minick said to the room with his wife Pam nearby. “I’d like to thank so many of you people that showed up and listened to our stories.”
Billy Minick retires from Billy Bob’s Texas
Wednesday’s festivities began around noon and the first speaker was Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Flores, who presented Minick with a special recognition from the city.
The recognition cited Minick’s storied past with rodeo and his places in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame and Bull Riding Hall of Fame. His long tenure at Billy Bob’s was also mentioned.
“To you my friend, I don’t say goodbye, I say adios,” Flores said.
Billy Bob’s founder and namesake Billy Bob Barnett was next and praised Minick for his work during the ups and downs of the club’s four plus decades.
“[Minick] probably did more to bandage this thing and make it run like a top,” Barnett said.
A couple of video messages were played next, one from Texas country singer Kevin Fowler and country music icon Reba McEntire.
“My gosh, you have helped me in my career so much. But it’s not about me, it’s about you,” McEntire said. “I hope you have a wonderful day today. You’re surrounded by people who love you, care about you, me included.”
As the clock neared 1 p.m., a microphone was passed to Minick who thanked the crowd and all the people that he came into contact with while working at Billy Bob’s.
“It’s been a hell of a journey,” Minick said. “I love so many people, and I know I’m a little hard sometimes, but we got the job done.”
This story was originally published April 2, 2026 at 3:26 PM.
