Christopher Prieto, often referred to as the “Barbecue Nerd,” is a champion pitmaster, cookbook author, TV personality, BBQ Preacher, 40 under 40 winner, and lover of all things ‘cue.

His journey into the world of cooking and barbecue began when he was a child. Fond memories of growing up in Texas and his desire to find the “soul” of barbecue sent him on a personal quest to perfect the art and science of slow-smoked meats.

After years of success on the professional barbecue circuit, hosting countless barbecue technique classes, and grilling from coast to coast, Christopher believes he’s finally achieved “barbecue excellence” through his own signature style. As a result, his life in barbecue has taken him to the stages of BBQ Pitmasters, Man Fire Food, Chopped, BBQ Brawl, Fox & Friends, and Southern Living.

In early 2020, Christopher opened his first restaurant Prime Barbecue in Knightdale, North Carolina. In the short time Prime Barbecue’s fires have been burning, it’s received the distinction as one of the best new restaurants in the South by Southern Living & Texas Monthly. But despite this, Christopher continues to live by a simple mantra – stay humble and stay hungry.