Aaron Franklin, born on December 17, 1977, in Bryan, Texas, is the owner of the acclaimed Franklin Barbecue in Austin. Originally from the College Station area, his interest in barbecue began with backyard cookouts alongside his wife, Stacy. He gained early experience working the counter at John Mueller's barbecue joint before striking out on his own. In 2009, he and Stacy launched a modest barbecue trailer parked along an Austin, Texas, interstate, which laid the foundation for his rise in the barbecue world. Franklin mastered central Texas barbecue techniques, earning widespread acclaim and a James Beard Foundation award. His influence extends beyond the pit through media appearances, including producing and starring in the PBS series 'BBQ with Franklin' (2015), acting in the film 'Chef' (2014), and contributing to 'For the Love of Meat' (2015). He has taught his craft via platforms like MasterClass, solidifying his status as a leading figure in American barbecue culture.