Meet Aaron & Stacy Franklin
Aaron Franklin
Aaron’s interest in barbecue started with the backyard cookouts that he and Stacy Franklin, would throw. They had no idea what they were getting themselves into when they opened up a small barbecue trailer on the side of an Austin, Texas interstate in 2009. Today, crowds stand in line for hours for a taste of his mouth-watering brisket. Franklin Barbecue has been celebrated by everyone from Jimmy Kimmel to Anthony Bourdain to President Obama. Aaron is the recipient of the James Beard Award for Best Chef and has also been inducted into the American Royal Barbecue Hall of Fame for 2020.
Aaron is also the co-author of New York Times bestselling book, Franklin Barbecue, A Meat-Smoking Manifesto and Franklin Steak.
Stacy Franklin
Texas-born and entrepreneur at heart, Stacy Franklin began her career by working in her family’s snow cone stand at the age of thirteen. Fast forward and after several years working in restaurants, she is the co-owner and chief operating officer of iconic Franklin Barbecue. She has deftly crafted the operations of several successful businesses from conception to fulfillment including James Beard Award-winning Franklin Barbecue and Franklin Barbecue Sauce. In her own words, she humbly says, “I’m a problem solver and make stuff happen!”
Her skills at conceptualizing events and branding trends have opened doors for industry leaders to choose Austin for large-scale events. Her business acumen and drive to help others succeed have made her one of Austin’s most respected restaurateurs. Stacy spends her free time on the board of non-profit Les Dames d'Escoffier Austin. In 2020, The Franklins launched their backyard bbq pit line, Franklin Barbecue Pits.
They have also added their own line of charcoal, seasoning, butcher paper, and a collaborative PK grill to their growing list of offerings
Buy Aaron’s Books
A New York Times best selling complete meat—and brisket—cooking education from the country’s most celebrated pitmaster and owner of the wildly popular Austin restaurant Franklin Barbecue.
Hot Luck Fest
Created and founded by Aaron Franklin, Guerilla Suit principal and Mohawk owner James Moody, and Mike Thelin, co-founder of Feast Portland, this Texas-sized get-together is the true Austin festival experience blending world-class culinary talent and live music.
BBQ with Franklin
produced by
BBQ With Franklin, produced by KLRU-TV, Austin PBS, proves that barbecue doesn’t have to be complicated and it doesn’t take a lot of specialized equipment. In this 11 episode web series, BBQ nerd Aaron Franklin explains the steps beginning to end in creating delicious barbecue in your backyard.
Season OneEpisode 1
Brisket
Episode 2
Sausage
Episode 3
Whole hog
Episode 4
the pits
Episode 5
Fire & smoke
Episode 6
Poultry & sauce
Episode 7
Direct Heat & mesquite
Episode 8
Competition
Episode 9
Pickin’ beef
Episode 10
Leftovers
Web SeriesEpisode 3
Ribs, Part II
Episode 4
the Smoker
Episode 6
The Cook
Episode 5
The Payoff
Episode 9
Thanksgiving, Part II
Episode 10
Thanksgiving, Part III
Episode 2
Ribs, Part I
Episode 1
The Brisket
Episode 8
Thanksgiving, Part I
Episode 7
The Wood
Episode 11
Pulled Pork
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Masterclass: Aaron Franklin
Aaron Franklin teaches you how to fire up flavor-packed Central Texas barbecue, including his famous brisket and more mouth-watering smoked meat.
Uptown Sports Club - Visit our sister restaurant
It's not uncommon to find Aaron sitting at a booth having a nice afternoon meeting here. Uptown is our home base for great food, cocktails and community. Serving up a Texan take on Louisiana homestyle brasserie fare and slinging classic cocktails from lunchtime ’til late-night. No rush. No fuss. Come as you are daily or nightly.
