Gary Parker on Southern Barbecue

Jennifer
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Gary Parker has been smoking Southern style barbeque since was a hungry kid in growing up in Austin, Texas. A technology career guy, Gary needed a diversion and food for his buddies at the race track, so he started smoking and serving up barbeque meats with all the fixins to his friends on a donation basis.  Now the owner of BBQ2U, a successful barbeque joint in Gig Harbor, Washington, Gary tells all about the South, the food and the joy he finds serving this community. 

Episodes

  1. MAY 15

    How A Texas Barbeque Menu Gets Built

    Send us Fan Mail Barbecue gets talked about like it’s just meat and smoke, but the best places are built on something deeper: lived experience, regional technique, and the discipline to stay focused when everyone asks for “just one more thing.” Jennifer Norrie sits down with pitmaster and owner Gary Parker to unpack why BBQ2U is proudly a Texas-style barbecue joint in Gig Harbor, and why that identity shapes every decision from the pit to the menu board.  We get into the real story behind the lineup: why brisket is a must, how Gary’s time in the Carolinas changed the way he thinks about pork, and what whole hog cooking teaches you that a standard smoker never will. We also talk about the nuts and bolts of running a smokehouse in today’s economy, including the shift from fixed trays to selling meat by the pound, sourcing sausage when kitchen space is limited, and keeping the menu simple enough to execute perfectly every day.  Then we hit the crowd favorites and the curveballs: turkey that started as a family request, jackfruit “vegan barbecue” that surprised everyone, and classic southern desserts like banana pudding. Gary also explains why BBQ2U sticks to traditional rubs and avoids a house sauce that’s “too spicy,” plus we share a timely reminder about catering for holiday parties and those January and February corporate kickoff lunches. If you care about authentic Texas barbecue, smoked brisket, pulled pork, and the craft behind a real smokehouse, you’ll want this one.  If you enjoy the show, subscribe, share it with a fellow barbecue lover, and leave a quick review so more people can find us. Support the show www.texasbbq2u.com 253-313-5656 Gary Parker, Pit Master

    42 min

  2. APR 27

    The History and Culture of BBQ in the South with Gary Parker

    Send us Fan Mail I think Gary Parker is the only Pit Master that knows this much about the History and Culture of Barbecue. Who knew that meat over a hot fire was a critical part of the history of the United States - and was a central means of nutrition for many! Listen in to the story of barbecue and how it helped establish our great nation.  #Barbecue #GaryParker  www.texasbbq2u.com 253-313-5656 Gary Parker, Pit Master

    28 min

  3. APR 27

    Farm to Table: Sourcing the BBQ2U Menu Ingredients

    Send us Fan Mail Where does our Pit Master Gary Parker, source the wood that creates the magical smoke for the meats BBQ2U serves? How do we source the other fresh menu ingredients? There are bound to be some good stories here. Listen in. #FarmtoTable #BBQ2U  www.texasbbq2u.com 253-313-5656 Gary Parker, Pit Master

    20 min

  4. APR 27

    Gary Parker on Giving Back

    Send us Fan Mail Giving back to the community is a fundamental BBQ2U value. The restaurant gives back every week via "counter takeovers" where local non profits can gain 10% of the receipts donated. And Gary writes a lot of checks to schools, community events and endless great causes. Why does he do this and what is his perspective on small businesses giving back to the communites they serve? Listen in to find out!  www.texasbbq2u.com 253-313-5656 Gary Parker, Pit Master

    22 min

  5. APR 27

    Gary Parker's Start Up Journey

    Send us Fan Mail How did Gary Parker get from the halls of big tech to the Marine Town of Gig Harbor, Washington - cooking up the best brisket in the county? Well, this podcast is about exactly that. Join us as we journey from Gary's youth in Austin, Texas to his busy philanthropy and restaurant owner life today!  www.texasbbq2u.com 253-313-5656 Gary Parker, Pit Master

    41 min

  6. APR 27

    Geek BBQ Tips with Pit Master Gary Parker

    Send us Fan Mail This guy knows barbecue. I mean reallly knows barbecue. As an art, a craft, a cooking method and a means of science expressing itself. Listen if you want to know how to work with science to make delicious smoked meats every time!  www.texasbbq2u.com 253-313-5656 Gary Parker, Pit Master

    33 min

  7. APR 27

    How to Smoke a Delicious Brisket and What to Do If It Goes South

    Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder what goes into the making of the perfect BBQ2U brisket?   Cook it low, and slow, and....what else do you need to know? Join Gary Parker, the BBQ2U Pitmaster as he discusses just these things. And we will wrap up with BBQ brisket disasters and do some sleuthing on what might have gone wrong if your brisket taste and texture went, well, South. See you there! #BBQ2U #BBQ #Barbeque #Brisket #HowtoCookBrisket www.texasbbq2u.com 253-313-5656 Gary Parker, Pit Master

    32 min

  8. APR 27

    Sauces, Rubs, and Marinades: What You Should Use And When with Gary Parker

    Send us Fan Mail How can you balance the flavors in a marinade or sauce to avoid overpowering the natural taste of the meat? What are some common ingredients or flavor profiles found in rubs, and how do they enhance the meats flavor? All of this and MORE Friday at 4pm! www.texasbbq2u.com 253-313-5656 Gary Parker, Pit Master

    28 min

  9. APR 13

    Gary Parker's "Why"

    Send us Fan Mail Why does Gary Parker get up every morning and make sure the brisket is smokin', the store is clean and crisp and the TV tuned to the guests favorite channel? What drives Gary's motivation to serve the community he loves? Learn just that on this podcast where Gary discusses one of his favorite books - by author @SimonSinek.  www.texasbbq2u.com 253-313-5656 Gary Parker, Pit Master

    28 min
  10. Five Popular Ways to Serve Hot and Moist Barbeque

    JAN 16

    Five Popular Ways to Serve Hot and Moist Barbeque

    Send us Fan Mail How do you make sure your barbeque stays hot and fresh for your guests all day long? How is this done? Well, enter Gary Parker, an expert pit master and restaurant owner. Listen in for all the tips you need to be famous for your barbeque on the day of your event and after!  www.texasbbq2u.com 253-313-5656 Gary Parker, Pit Master

    41 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Gary Parker has been smoking Southern style barbeque since was a hungry kid in growing up in Austin, Texas. A technology career guy, Gary needed a diversion and food for his buddies at the race track, so he started smoking and serving up barbeque meats with all the fixins to his friends on a donation basis.  Now the owner of BBQ2U, a successful barbeque joint in Gig Harbor, Washington, Gary tells all about the South, the food and the joy he finds serving this community. 

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