Pitmaster Robert Owens shares the complexities of barbecue
“The amount of talent that comes through Seafood Festival is amazing. All of these different rotating chefs and talent come through. It’s just a way to get out of the restaurant and have a little fun with some friends and colleagues, share ideas, share ingredients or purveyors that you might be switching up or just talk shop. It’s my favorite event right now.”
– Pitmaster Robert Owens, Owens & Hull
Pitmaster Robert Owens recalls idyllic summers in Georgia with his grandparents, savoring freshly prepared, mouth-watering barbecue sandwiches. These fond memories laid the foundation for his culinary journey, leading to the opening of Grand Champion BBQ in Atlanta in 2011. Quickly it became a local sensation, with barbecue enthusiasts declaring it the unrivaled monarch of smoke-infused flavors. Owens’s dedication to accentuating the natural taste of each meat, coupled with his homemade, robust sides, garnered numerous awards and heightened attention for Grand Champion BBQ. His recent collaboration with Pitmaster Bryan Hull of Secret Pint BBQ birthed Owens & Hull, a new venture in Smyrna, Georgia, fusing Texas and Carolina-style barbecue, breaking traditional boundaries. This month Owens brings his seasoned expertise to the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival, showcasing his barbecue prowess amidst a celebration of Southern heritage and cuisine.