The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast · October 15, 2025 · 1 hr 19 min
Ep. 88 | Barbecue Hospitality with Puerto Rican Soul w/ Christopher Prieto of Prime BBQ
🔥 Welcome to The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast – where flavor, culture, and community come together at the pit. 🔥 In this inspiring episode, host Brandon and co-host Tee sit down with Christopher Prieto , the pitmaster and owner of Prime Barbecue and Prime STQ , to explore his incredible journey through the world of barbecue. From blending Texas, North Carolina, and Puerto Rican influences to launching a new dining concept that redefines what barbecue can be, Christopher shares how family, culture, and education fuel his passion for the craft. 🍖 Inside This Episode: Why barbecue embodies culture and community How moving and adapting can open doors to new opportunities The connection between family heritage and culinary creativity Blending Tex-Mex and Puerto Rican flavors into traditional barbecue Lessons from competition BBQ and the importance of resilience The story behind Prime STQ , where barbecue meets steakhouse Building a restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic and staying resilient The role of hospitality —why great service matters as much as great food Signature dishes that honor family roots, like Barbecue Rice , inspired by his mother The creation of The Ultimate School of Barbecue , teaching pitmasters of all levels How education and mentorship strengthen the barbecue community Why legacy in barbecue is about more than just food—it’s about connection 🔥 Whether you’re a pitmaster, a foodie, or someone chasing your dream, this episode is packed with lessons in resilience, flavor, and family tradition. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to keep the fire burning and support BBQ culture around the world. #BlackSmokeBBQ #ChristopherPrieto #PrimeBarbecue #PrimeSTQ #BBQPodcast #BarbecueCulture #TexMexBBQ #PuertoRicanBBQ #CompetitionBBQ #UltimateSchoolOfBarbecue #BarbecueEducation #BlackPitmasters #BBQCommunity #GrillAndGrow #BarbecueLegacy Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast 06:17 Meet Christopher Prieto: A Fusion of Barbecue Traditions 14:24 Incorporating Puerto Rican Flavors into Barbecue 21:48 The Journey into Competition Barbecue 25:31 The Leap of Faith: Opening Prime During COVID 30:17 Hospitality: The Heart of Barbecue 36:09 Primo Latin Cuisine: A Culinary Fusion 51:37 Prime STQ: Redefining the Steakhouse Experience 54:28 Reimagining the Steakhouse Experience 01:00:37 Creating a Family-Friendly Dining Atmosphere 01:04:58 Lessons from Competition Barbecue 01:07:51 The Ultimate School of Barbecue 01:15:54 Exciting Future Ventures