Pitmaster IndexWayne Mueller
Pitmaster & Owner
Wayne Mueller
Louie Mueller Barbecue19+ years active
Signature:Peppery brisket and beef ribs
Wayne Mueller is the third-generation owner and pitmaster of Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor, which his grandfather Louie Mueller opened in 1949. He took over from his father, Bobby, in 2007. The restaurant won a James Beard America's Classics award in 2006, while Bobby was running it. Aaron Franklin has credited the founder, Louie Mueller, with first making him fall in love with smoked meat.
Technique
Louie Mueller cooks over post oak in decades-old brick pits, and its brisket rub is coarse black pepper and salt (per a 2010 visit).
Recognition
- Louie Mueller Barbecue — James Beard Foundation America's Classics Award (2006)
- Louie Mueller Barbecue — Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ Joints (2025)
Influences
Bobby Mueller (father)