Pitmaster IndexJohn Lewis
Pitmaster & Founder, Lewis Barbecue
John Lewis
Lewis Barbecue16+ years activeEl Paso, TX
Signature:Beef brisket
John Lewis grew up in El Paso, Texas, and moved to Austin at 18. In 2010 he helped his friend Aaron Franklin open Franklin Barbecue, and he later partnered with LeAnn Mueller to open La Barbecue in Austin. He moved to Charleston, South Carolina, in March 2015 and opened Lewis Barbecue there in June 2016. He is the restaurant's pitmaster and owner.
Technique
Lewis builds his own custom smokers and has never bought a premade pit. He imports post oak from Texas because he believes it burns better than the heavier, moister oak of the Southeast.
Recognition
- Pitmaster of La Barbecue (Austin) on Texas Monthly's The 50 Best BBQ Joints . . . in the World! (2013)