Today, we not only get to talk tacos, we also get to talk barbecue and where the two intersect. Today we speak to Joe Zavala from Zavala’s Barbecue.

Zavala’s Barbecue is in Grand Prairie, Texas. It’s owned by Christan and pitmaster Joe Zavala. Zavala’s, the barbecue joint, began as a backyard pop-up before moving into a brick-and-mortar in 2019.

It’s been a hit ever since, finally gaining the esteemed honor of a spot on the 2021 Texas Monthly’s Top 50 Barbecue Joints list, something he had been striving for since opening and celebrated by drinking champagne out of his shoe, after the F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo’s signature celebratory move. I find it disgusting. Joe Zavala, however, is amazing. 

Joe has his own podcast, Brisket and Main, named after the intersection where Zavala’s is. He has a YouTube video series with Meat Church barbecue rub and sauce company. He’s been a featured chef at Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks games. He also hosts regular barbecue classes at Four Corners Brewing Co. 

Perhaps most importantly, after being diagnosed with cancer in 2019—the same year he opened his restaurant—Joe and his wife established the Zavala Family Foundation, which helps restaurant industry families dealing with cancer. Joe is currently in remission. Here’s the kicker, Zavala’s Barbecue and everything connected to it is a side hustle.

So download and enjoy some of the takes of this episode like some of the briskets he throws down on a weekly basis.

TAQUOTE:

“When life throws you a cow, make carne asada”

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