AARON FRANKLIN is one of the biggest, most recognized names in barbecue and the wider food world. His restaurant has won every major barbecue award and has been in magazines ranging from GQ to Bon Appétit.

The line to get into Franklin Barbecue is as long as ever, and the restaurant has sold out of brisket every day of its existence. Franklin makes regular TV appearances on BBQ Pitmasters, and will star in his own PBS program, BBQ with Franklin, in spring 2015.