‘Horror BBQ Resort’ comes to life

BASTROP — Fans of the original “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” horror flick from 1974 gathered on Saturday for the grand opening of the “WE Slaughter” barbecue restaurant on Highway 304. Originally a gas station, the building itself was used in a part of the film where the five young protagonists/victims stop to fill up during a road trip which turned out to be their last.

Close to a hundred people were treated to a man dressed as “Leatherface,” the film’s iconic villain, crazily swinging a cranked chainsaw — mimicking the movie’s terrifying final scene. Villains from other horror flicks decided to show up as well, including Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger and Slender Man.

The day’s main event was a “meat ‘n greet” with Edwin Neal, who played the demented hitchhiker and grave robber. Neal was all smiles as he signed autographs and took pictures with fans. And if you’ve ever seen the movie, I’m sure you’ll understand why I didn’t ask for a polaroid.

The gas station, which is located in the Hills Prairie community about five miles south of Bastrop, has been something of an anomaly over the years. It is believed to have been built in the early 1950s, with an unknown film crew paying a visit in the summer of 1973 to shoot scenes that would end up in one of the most popular horror movies in history. During the 1990s the building started to deteriorate, but remained in business as different owners tried their hand at putting it to good use. For a while it was known as the “Hills Prairie Grocery Store” and “Bilbo’s Texas Landmark,” before a fan of the film decided to acquire the land and turn it into the project of his dreams.

The property was in danger of being demolished, but was saved by Ohio businessman and entrepreneur Roy Rose, who acquired the property last year. Rose recruited actor Ari Lehman, who played the original Jason in “Friday the 13th,” as an investor with the dream of opening what he called a “horror BBQ resort.” And on Saturday, that dream came true.