The Unknowns - Black Pitmasters

I first saw Dr. Conyers on Man, Fire, Food with Roger Mooking. I then found his digital series Nourish on YouTube. It was during a time I was looking for black pitmasters that I begin to follow him. Learning about the history of American BBQ and how the enslaved Africans curated our modern day craft of BBQ lead me to create The Unknowns Black Pitmasters.

JL (James Lewis) is the owner of JL Smokehouse in Phoenix & Mesa AZ. He is passionate when it comes to cooking and lives by his phrase "If it's not cooked with wood, it's no good!" JL during our discussion spoke about the heart of BBQ and honestly I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. You can follow JL on Instagram HERE.

JL (James Lewis) is the owner of JL Smokehouse in Phoenix & Mesa AZ. He is passionate when it comes to cooking and lives by his phrase "If it's not cooked with wood, it's no good!" JL during our discussion spoke about the heart of BBQ and honestly I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. Take a look at this preview and look for the full discussion next week!

Aaron took Denver by storm. Starting his business during the pandemic he fed the city enough to become one of the top 10 BBQ spots in Denver! His first year in business he was awarded a grant from the Kingsford Preserve the Pit Program, earned countless acclaim and as of this year...closed his Denver spot to be rancher in Texas. What a journey to follow.

Aaron took Denver by storm. Starting his business during the pandemic he fed the city enough to become one of the top 10 BBQ spots in Denver! His first year in business he was awarded a grant from the Kingsford Preserve the Pit Program, earned countless acclaim and as of this year...closed his Denver spot to be rancher in Texas. What a journey to follow.

Born in Nebraska & raised in Phoenix, AZ - Jonathan Jones has always been a student of the BBQ game. Since 2015, “⁠Jonathan BBQ⁠” has been combining his love for barbecue and content production. With his “Your Grill, Your Rules” mantra, Jones looks to inspire everyday people to get out and cook for their family, friends and community. Jonathan also organizing ⁠Smokin' Hope⁠ in late 2018. He decided to cook for 100 homeless people in the downtown Phoenix area. Since then, they have organized and fed over 1,200 Phoenicians and counting!

Born in Nebraska & raised in Phoenix, AZ - Jonathan Jones has always been a student of the BBQ game. Since 2015, “Jonathan BBQ” has been combining his love for barbecue and content production. With his “Your Grill, Your Rules” mantra, Jones looks to inspire everyday people to get out and cook for their family, friends and community. Jonathan also organizing Smokin' Hope in late 2018. He decided to cook for 100 homeless people in the downtown Phoenix area. Since then, they have organized and fed over 1,200 Phoenicians and counting!

KJ, of Back Food Fridays, is a James Beard foundation finalist, contributor to ESPN's ANDSCAPE, community organizer, highlighter and advocate for black food, culture and history.

KJ is a James Beard foundation finalist, community organizer, highlighter and advocate for black food, culture and history.

Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Erica is a woman of many talents. As a pitmaster her talents were on display on season 2 winner of Food Network's "BBQ Brawl". She won that competition as was titled "Master of Cue". Just recently in May of 2022 competing in the world-famous Memphis in May World Championship BBQ Cooking Contestv she tied for 1st place in brisket and 4th in ribs. Erica also wears the hat of Certified Sommelier and attorney. She hopes to be an example of pursuing your passions, despite the fear of committing to the unknown, even if it requires a strategic course-correction.