John Lewis

Coming Up

Brisket is the cut that measures barbecue craft against itself, and for John Lewis it is the central test: long, exacting, and unforgiving of sloppiness. “It’s the biggest challenge of barbecue, that’s why I love it.” The line captures the method behind the work—patience, precision, and the timing required for fire, time, and instinct to land together.

Where They Are Now

Since 2016, the pit at Lewis Barbecue has been John Lewis’s point of control, where repetition and consistency do the real work of the title pitmaster. In barbecue, authority is built in the pit, through early starts, attention to smoke, and a steady hand from one service to the next. Lewis’s pull is in that discipline: the demands are the point, and the craft is in meeting them without drift.

Career - Pitmaster — Lewis Barbecue, Charleston, South Carolina (2016–present)

Signature

John's signature dishes include beef brisket, Texas hot guts, and pork spareribs. Together, they show a cook working in the register of Texas barbecue while giving each cut its own handling. Brisket remains the anchor, the hardest piece to finish cleanly and the one that exposes the most about a pitmaster’s control. Texas hot guts add a sharper note, and pork spareribs bring a different texture and bite. The range is compact, but it is built on the basics: smoke, heat, and repetition.

In Their Words “This way I can turn out the exact product I want.”

FAQ What is John Lewis's current role? As of 2026, John Lewis is Pitmaster. What is John Lewis known for? Brisket.