Early Start
Aaron's journey into barbecue began in his own backyard, hosting cookouts with his wife, Stacy. He started with a simple, inexpensive smoker and taught himself the art of smoking meat through countless hours of practice and experimentation.
Key Achievements
- Received the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Southwest in 2015
- Franklin Barbecue was named the best barbecue joint in Texas by Texas Monthly and in America by Bon Appétit
- Inducted into the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame in 2020
- Authored the bestselling cookbook 'Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto'.
Why They Inspire Us
Aaron Franklin's story shows that with passion, hard work, and a commitment to excellence, a simple hobby can become a world-class success. He is a self-taught pitmaster who inspires others to pursue their dreams with dedication and perseverance.