On August 18th and 19th, BBQ enthusiasts will gather for the ultimate feast in Marathon, Texas. The BBQ Pachanga, hosted at the historic Gage Hotel, will spotlight the unique talents of three remarkable pitmasters: Leonard Botello IV of TRUTH BBQ, Ernest Servantes of Burnt Bean Co., and Phillip Moellering of Brick Vault Brewery & Barbecue.
Leonard Botello IV, the brain behind the critically acclaimed TRUTH BBQ, opened his first outlet in Brenham during the summer of 2015. Despite starting out in a small shack off a rural highway, Botello’s mastery over live fire cooking saw his venture ranked #10 on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 Texas BBQ Joints list in 2017 and even higher in recent years. Known for his authentic Central Texas style BBQ, Botello’s signature lies in his relentless attention to detail. His commitment to perfection is evident with everything being made from scratch, daily, in-house. Apart from amassing accolades from various publications, Botello is also a victor on Food Network’s Chopped and frequently showcases his skills at various national food and wine festivals.
Ernest Servantes, co-owner of Burnt Bean Co., is no stranger to the BBQ world. His journey began in the competitive arena, winning numerous BBQ cook-offs both in Texas and nationally. He joined forces with a former rival, Dave Kirkland, and their partnership led to further victories. Even amidst a pandemic, their belief in the brand led them to open the Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin in October 2020, and the response has been overwhelming. With lines extending out the door since opening day, their BBQ venture, humorously named after a casual comment from a former co-worker, has proven its mettle.
Lastly, Phillip Moellering, the General Manager of Brick Vault Brewery & Barbecue, brings with him a rich BBQ lineage rooted in Texas’s Hill Country. After a decade at the Gage Hotel, Moellering launched Brick Vault Brewery & Barbecue in 2018. Specializing in oak-smoked meats paired with craft brews, the joint was soon recognized as one of Texas Monthly’s Top 25 New Barbecue Joints in 2019.
For those eager to be part of this BBQ extravaganza, tickets are available by calling the Gage Hotel at (432) 386-4205. As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas, and this gathering promises to serve up flavors that are just that – big, bold, and unforgettable.
More on Brick Vault Brewery & Barbecue
