Tacoma BBQ Duo Takes Their Skills National After Landing Spot on Food Network

Two Tacoma chefs are taking their barbecue talents from Sixth Avenue to a national stage after being selected as competitors on Food Network’s newest cooking competition series, “Pitmasters.”

Reginald Jacob Howell and Denzel Johnson, the co-owners and chefs behind GRANN, are among the teams competing on the new series, which brings together talented barbecue duos from across the country. The show features nine teams competing against each other in a test of live-fire cooking skills, creativity, and endurance.

The series premiered on Food Network on June 13 and became available the following day on HBO Max and Discovery+.

For Howell and Johnson, appearing on national television was more than just a career milestone. The chefs said the experience allowed them to challenge themselves, represent Tacoma’s growing food scene, and share their passion for barbecue with viewers nationwide.

"It was one of the greatest things I've done so far, culinary-wise," Howell said. He added that getting the opportunity to compete alongside Johnson made the experience even more meaningful.

The competition pushed the chefs far beyond the conditions they typically face in a restaurant kitchen. Filming took place outdoors in Utah over six consecutive days, where contestants dealt with unpredictable weather, including wind, rain, and hail, along with changing elevations and long hours working around live fire.

Because “Pitmasters” was a new series, contestants had little idea what challenges awaited them. Howell said there was no real way to prepare for the conditions they encountered during filming.

Johnson described the competition as both challenging and rewarding, saying that competing against some of the country's best pitmasters was a valuable learning experience.

"Being able to put your skills to the test versus some of the best in the country is a very humbling experience," Johnson said. "It really lets you dive into your creativity."

Although the chefs arrived as competitors, the experience created unexpected friendships among the participants. Howell said many contestants had admired each other's work for years, and the relationships built during filming continued even after the competition ended.

"We were competing against people we've looked up to for years," Howell said. "But after the show, we all stayed connected. They became family pretty quickly."

The Food Network appearance marks the first national television opportunity for both Howell and Johnson. When asked whether they would return for another season, Johnson immediately responded with one word: "Season two."

The exposure comes at an exciting time for GRANN, which opened less than two years ago on Tacoma's Sixth Avenue. The restaurant is preparing to introduce a new seasonal menu focused on barbecue and live-fire cooking, continuing the style that helped establish its reputation locally.

Johnson said the opportunity represents more than just personal success for the two chefs. He hopes the show introduces viewers to Tacoma’s food community and highlights the talent throughout the Pacific Northwest.

"This isn't just a win for us," Johnson said. "It's a win for Tacoma, Sixth Avenue, and the Pacific Northwest."

The chefs also credited their GRANN team for making the opportunity possible. While Howell and Johnson were away filming, their kitchen and front-of-house staff continued operating the restaurant.

"They've held us down since day one," Howell said, adding that the team’s dedication allowed them to pursue the competition with confidence.

Another memorable part of the experience came when the chefs had the opportunity to cook for celebrity host Andrew Zimmern and the show's judging panel. For Howell, meeting Zimmern was especially meaningful after years of watching him on television.

"Being there cooking in front of him was surreal," Howell said.

Johnson said receiving feedback from respected figures in the culinary world was an unforgettable moment and a valuable opportunity for growth.

As GRANN continues building its reputation in Tacoma, the chefs’ appearance on Food Network puts a national spotlight on their barbecue, their restaurant, and the city they proudly represent.

The post Tacoma BBQ Duo Takes Their Skills National After Landing Spot on Food Network first appeared on Beyond the Bayou Blog.