12 Pitmasters You Need To Know Around The U.S. HuffPost

Cover A BBQ Pitmaster Is Now the Southwest's Best Chef Southern Living (500x500)

Table of Contents

1. What was Aaron Franklin's early life like?
2. How did Aaron Franklin get into BBQ?
3. What makes Aaron Franklin's BBQ unique?
4. What awards and accolades has Aaron Franklin received?
5. What is Aaron Franklin's philosophy on BBQ?

1. What was Aaron Franklin's early life like?

Aaron Franklin was born and raised in Bryan, Texas. His parents owned a barbecue restaurant called “The Pit” which is where Aaron first learned about the art of barbecue. Aaron’s parents worked long hours to keep the restaurant running and he would often help out with various tasks such as chopping wood, cleaning the pits, and preparing meat. Growing up, Aaron was also heavily involved in music. He played in various bands and even studied music at a college in Louisiana. However, he eventually decided to pursue his passion for barbecue and opened up his own restaurant.

2. How did Aaron Franklin get into BBQ?

After college, Aaron moved back to Texas and began working at various barbecue restaurants in the Austin area. He honed his skills and eventually decided to open up his own restaurant. In 2009, Aaron and his wife Stacy opened Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas. At first, business was slow and they struggled to make ends meet. However, word began to spread about the quality of their brisket and before they knew it, they had lines out the door. Franklin Barbecue has since become one of the most famous barbecue restaurants in the world, with people traveling from all over to sample their food.

3. What makes Aaron Franklin's BBQ unique?

There are a few key things that set Aaron Franklin’s BBQ apart from others. Firstly, he uses only the highest quality ingredients. He sources his meat from small, local farms and uses a custom blend of wood to smoke it. Secondly, he places a heavy emphasis on the cooking process. Franklin Barbecue uses a combination of wood and charcoal to create a smoke that is both flavorful and consistent. They also use a unique cooking technique that involves wrapping the meat in butcher paper halfway through the cooking process. This allows the meat to retain moisture and develop a rich flavor. Finally, Aaron’s attention to detail is second to none. He spends hours each day ensuring that the temperature of the smokers is just right and that the meat is cooked to perfection.

4. What awards and accolades has Aaron Franklin received?

Aaron Franklin’s BBQ has won numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2015, Franklin Barbecue was named the best barbecue restaurant in Texas by Texas Monthly. They have also been featured in numerous national publications, including Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, and The New York Times. In 2015, Aaron was named a James Beard Foundation Award winner for Best Chef: Southwest. This is one of the most prestigious awards in the culinary world and solidified Aaron’s status as one of the top chefs in the country.

5. What is Aaron Franklin's philosophy on BBQ?

At the heart of Aaron Franklin’s philosophy is a deep respect for the traditions of barbecue. He believes that there is no substitute for hard work and that the key to great barbecue is to never cut corners. He also believes that barbecue is about more than just the food. It’s about bringing people together and creating a sense of community. This is why he spends so much time interacting with his customers and making sure that they have a great experience. Finally, Aaron is a firm believer in giving back to the community. He has raised thousands of dollars for various charities and organizations over the years and is always looking for ways to make a positive impact.

Conclusion

Aaron Franklin is a true master of the art of barbecue. His attention to detail, dedication to quality, and commitment to community have made him one of the most respected chefs in the country. Whether you’re a seasoned barbecue aficionado or just looking for a great meal, Franklin Barbecue is definitely worth a visit.