Pitmaster IndexIrene Rich
Owner, Peak Bros. Bar-B-Que
Irene Rich
Peak Bros. Bar-B-QueWaverly, Kentucky
Signature:Open-pit mutton and black-peppered ham
Irene Rich is the owner of Peak Bros. Bar-B-Que in Waverly, and the daughter of co-founder Buddy Peak, who opened the pit with his brother Barker on July 4, 1948, after returning from World War II. She has kept the restaurant cooking ribs, chicken, ham, pork, and mutton over an open hickory fire for more than 65 years. After a 2006 fire destroyed the building, Irene rebuilt it with the support of her family. Peak Bros. is known nationwide for its 'black peppered ham' as well as its western-Kentucky mutton.
Technique
Meats cooked over a live open hickory fire, the old Union County pit method carried on since 1948.
Influences
Buddy and Barker PeakPost-war Union County pit traditionOpen-fire hickory cooking