Waxahachie, Texas
Matt Pittman, pitmaster and CEO/owner of Meat Church BBQ, hails from the great state of Texas where his love of BBQ runs deep. Matt grew up cooking and learning from his Grandma June and has spent his life around food ever since. He got seriously involved in the BBQ space after taking a trip to Central Texas to taste the real stuff. One bite of brisket and he was hooked. From thereon out, BBQ became his lifestyle. Between competing in BBQ competitions to hosting classes to being the king of Dallas Cowboy tailgates, Pittman has become a seasoned pro. Today, Matt spends his time smoking meat, creating, teaching, and sharing his passion for meat with others.
What goes through your head when you first wake up in the morning before you barbecue?
What did my social media do the day prior? I'm obsessed with it. Also thinking about what I can do that day to grow my brand - how to outwit my competition.
Where is your favourite place to barbecue?
In my backyard. All BBQ folks are backyard grillers at the core. Cooking for family and friends is why we do what we do and why we call it Meat Church.
Tell us a favourite story from a day out barbecuing.
Getting the opportunity to grill steaks for the King of Country Music, Mr. George Strait. I thought I had reached the pinnacle of my outdoor cooking career until later that night when he told me I looked like I was "a white tank top away from looking like Kid Rock". I promptly got my hair cut the next week.
How do you up your game year after year?
I try to think about what hasn't been done.
If you could do anything better what would it be?
To not be so dang picky. I'm a perfectionist in my cooks including the precise time it needs to be served. I drive my family crazy because I'm always tearing my food apart and telling them how it could have been better. My kids would tell you I must think my food sucks.
Who are your heroes? Who do you look up to?
My Dad and my Grandaddy. Those two men taught me the definition of a hard work ethic. It's because of them I get so little sleep.
What part of you, or what you do, reflects a spirit of restlessness?
I can't sit still. My mind races 100 mph.
If there is any love-hate relationship with any aspect of what you do, can you describe what that is?
I hate getting up so early to make BBQ. I like my sleep. I always tell people you can't wake up at 9 AM to serve BBQ at lunch. It takes patience - something I don't always have.