I Got Schooled by the Coal Miner Pioneering Eastern KY BBQ

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

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[@djhals0]

Should have hit up RedPoint right down the road. It is owned by the same guy that owns the world Famous Miguels pizza known by rock climbers around the world.

[@thatcherbarbecuecompany]

Thank you Al and Nick for the visit and for producing a great video. I sure appreciate making new friend and I have a feeling we’re gonna be friends for a long time. Congratulations on another great video even if I’m in it!!

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

God bless you all - what you're doing is fantastic! I hope to make it there one day! Cheers!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Shawn it was such an honor to make this video with you and Crystal and the whole team. Thank you for welcoming us into your lives. I’m thrilled to have you as a new friend for life.

[@richardpowell8065]

Already love Thatcher for being a packer fan!

[@Thetattedrep]

Looking forward to stopping by to visit!! From a fellow Kentuckian, keep churning and this video is the best one I’ve seen so far!

[@wk3660]

@@thatcherbarbecuecompany Wow! This is one of the best stories I’ve seen. I wish you and your community the greatest of success. God Bless America.

[@stevewilliams8559]

This is soooo Kentucky. Thank you Al for showing Eastern Ky as not Hillbillies. They're good people just like everyone else around the whole country. Food is so universal, we all have to eat it every day, second only to water. No wonder food brings people together like it does. Thank You.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks for the kind words Steve. And you’re right these are good people and it was an honor to work with them on this.

[@terrybowman8690]

@@stevewilliams8559 no shame in being hillbilly, Im in East Tennessee and I wear that badge proudly.

[@southpawguitars]

@stevewilliams8559 Well said 👏 I live in Corbin, if you end up in Laurel County stop by Durhams Pit BBQ in London, KY

[@brads7179]

We have a place in Augusta KY - same exact economic story. Tough times, but the locals are the bomb and we have a new distillery that opened last year. Pendulum is swinging back, but the locals are straight talking, hard working, and some of the most sincere people you'll ever meet. We live in the pacific NW and when there's weather or storms and branches fall in our yard, they somehow mysteriously get cleaned up and none of our neighbors fess up as to how all that happens.

[@steveadams8713]

When it comes to representing Eastern KY, Shawn and Crystal Thatcher are the best! Great Video!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Couldn't agree more! Thanks for watching!

[@johntremblay4100]

Kids, this is how you get successful in life. Hard work and dedication.

[@lyleswavel320]

You don't work you don't eat unless you live with your mother or in jail

[@johntremblay4100]

@@lyleswavel320 hahaha 😂

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Well said, John!

[@KP-dk9qq]

@@johntremblay4100 working hard doesn’t make you successful I’ve worked hard all my life

[@oppressionboys239]

and a shit ton of luck by god

[@aubreytycer8708]

I graduated Eastern Kentucky University. I have much respect for folks that make their living there. One of the most insightful videos I have seen. Ostensiblely about BBQ.

[@BK1414]

I stopped about 3 minutes in to make sure I had not loaded up Netflix and Chef’s Table! Seriously… top notch. Now back to viewing.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

That's amazing to hear - because I modeled this show after Chef's Table and Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown. You can't even imagine how great of a compliment you just paid us! What did you think of the rest?

[@edwardjacob5392]

Phenomenal mix of bbq food and the story of America and its culture that we need to honor everywhere. Thank you and so well done! God bless you all!

[@Thetattedrep]

Al, I want to first Thank you for going off the beaten path and visiting this bbq joint. As a Kentuckian this video tugged at my heart! I have recently started watching your videos and this one was vastly different and that’s a positive thing. This is a hard working family that has had to work for everything. I love how you shown the true Kentuckian and not some hillbilly that everyone stereotypes in Eastern Ky! I have gone to the Gorge a few times but I’m packing the family up to visit this joint ASAP!! Thanks again for capturing the real person in this video!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

I have to admit I'm a little emotional reading your words. Doing this video was an absolute honor. Please do take the family - and give my regards to Crystal and Shawn when you go.

[@Thetattedrep]

@@BehindTheFoodTV also just throwing this out there. If you ever want to incorporate some KY tradition in your cooks, check out Kentucky Sorghum. It’s a great way to naturally sweeten your cooks, kind of like Honey. You can also try that push measuring cup out with it!! Lol

[@Manda8908]

Thank you for highlighting Eastern Kentucky and Kentucky in general. Eastern Kentucky is often very stigmatized and there is such a beautiful Appalachian culture in Eastern Kentucky. The community is amazing and they're so overlooked. I was born and raised in Northern Kentucky but went to College in Eastern, KY at MSU. Absolutely fell in love with the area and the surrounding counties. Good hearted, hard-working people. Also, I hope you liked the Ale-8, it's a staple here!!

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

This was amazing. These communities are the forgotten people. No one in the political world is rallying for them - they've been hit hard by many factors. Yet, they dig in and lift themselves up and find ways to overcome all the obstacles in their path and they do it with a lot of style! They refuse to quit. This was fabulous. I want to go there and try this food. It looks fabulous! I can only imagine the hours of work it took to make this video - it was wonderful!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

You are so right on all counts. And please do go visit - and say hi to Shawn and Crystal for me while you’re there!

[@johnrawlings6610]

Trump is rallying for these very people. The democrats aren't! Don't lump those two together! MAGA 2024!

[@RandyWhitehead-qs4bu]

@@ourlifeinwyoming4654 It's simply because they happen not to be black is why no rallies for help,sad.

[@jaimesan2609]

@@RandyWhitehead-qs4bu You said what most of us are thinking. J.D Vance was raised in that area.

[@pawpawstew]

Mom was from Eastern Kentucky coal country... Born in Ligon (Floyd Co.) and later moved to Denton (Carter Co.). Those hills were my playground when we'd go up and visit my grandparents in the summer. Many fond memories, but I also know how things have changed with coal and tobacco falling out of favor, and how it's hard living up there. It's good to see he's bringing the bbq culture up there. Maybe there's a new lease on life coming that will draw tourism and other businesses to the area.

[@obiemains1367]

I'm in Houston Texas and I BBQ a lot for my friends. I'm 54 so I've Seen A lot of techniques, but I really like how you have the smoke going over the top . Bark on the top of those briskets were nice and you don't really need the bottoms to have as much bark. Great video! Now i'm gonna have my next pit built with a wall like that.

[@rosskanter793]

Your new series is really awesome! Congratulations on the show and thank you!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks Ross!

[@johnsterling3345]

Holy moly! This might be one of your BEST videos ever. I loved the story behind the man. I liked his journey through life. I liked how the man reinvented himself and adapted to a new way of life after the jobs and the coal mine went away. Just a wonderful story and it all revolved around barbecue. Definitely need more videos like this. Hard hitting with a true to life story and how it revolves where he came from to were he is going. Really liked this video.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Wow John - thanks for those words. I want to make one of these videos everty month if I can - it's so rewarding meeting these folks and learning from them - and you guys out there seem to agree with me. So stay tuned for more!

[@johnsterling3345]

@@BehindTheFoodTV Yes! That is a great idea with these kind of videos. It shows a more serious side about people, life and food. I was super impressed with your video and it just screamed American way of life in our rural areas and places that might be impoverished. Keep up the good work on these types of videos. I love to see other parts of America and how barbecuing and food and the way of life come together in different ways to enrich people’s lives in very different ways. Shows a good amount of contrast between how we live in different areas and it shows how food and the ways of life go together. I’m rambling a bit but I wanted to say how impressed this episode is and definitely want to see more. Thank you for introducing all of us to new experiences.

[@michaelbarnhill2685]

Excellent video. Texan here, over in WestVirginia. Will definitely be making a drive over to check out this bbq joint.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks - and tell them hi from me when you go!

[@christophergebhardt8790]

The true American story! NEVER QUIT.........

[@waltermckinney606]

👍👍👍👍👍👍💯💯💯💯

[@kevinwood9988]

I'm so happy my YT algorithm brought me to this video. I met Shawn a few years back when Sam took us to his downtown location for lunch one day. Salt of the earth type of people made this Ohio boy feel right at home. Some of the best BBQ I've ever had. ALSO, love the nod to Ale81 in the burgoo. I live in Alabama now but always have my family bring cases of Ale81 down for me when they visit.

[@rifleman1873]

I live smack in the center of the Texas BBQ belt and I love some Texas BBQ, but I guarantee I would love Shawn’s BBQ also. Keep up the great cooking.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

You're 100% right. The man can cook!

[@SDSBBQs]

Al, I like this guy. He trims his briskets like I do and keeps it simple. I like this type, style of video.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Yes he does. And he’s as fast as you too!

[@SDSBBQs]

@@BehindTheFoodTV That just goes to show you what happens after you've done a few thousand.

[@keithtrosen7954]

Well gentleman, if this is the content you are going to come out with.......count me in. INSANE. I have not enjoyed a video, on TV or KZbin, as much as I enjoyed this. Keep it coming. I cannot wait for the next one. Very impressed. Thank you.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Wow, thanks! Those words mean so much, Keith. This is exactly what we want to make - and I will do my best to make you proud! -Al

[@country4lyfe365]

Well.....this is now on my bucket list. Lol. I can always tell when someone is doing something from the hart. And shaun is doing just that. A soft spoken BBQing giant. Im up here in indiana and this destination is first thing on my list. Great video.

[@loridarlin1]

God bless you folks!! Much love from Texas ❤️🇺🇸

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks Lori - I will pass along your sentiments!

[@lovemytide45]

Great story. I love supporting guys like you . I’m not an offset guy but the principles are the same regardless of the cooking mechanism. I learned something new about the Mohawk and will leave it in next time. Thanks

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks - and you’re welcome!

[@cliffbrown8992]

The story was even better than the food! Well done.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks! These are truly amazing people.

[@Torsion]

​​​@@BehindTheFoodTVI haven't finished the video and basically just listened to this on my drive to work. However, I wanted to leave a comment! That tip about smoking the chicken wings INSIDE the chicken is *GOLD!* I'm kicking myself for never thinking of it myself, but when you see those things... you realize how much skill a person has. This man doesn't only have knowledge, *he has wisdom!* ...wisdom is gained by experience and sticking with what works... the tips and tricks learned along the way!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

@@Torsion the amazing thing is he is so humble and doesn’t even realize how good he is. It’s one of the greatest things about the man.

[@Torsion]

@@BehindTheFoodTV He loses points for saying that beans don't go in Chili .... haha. He is fantastic! (Chili preference is like Biscuits and Gravy or whether or not sugar belongs in cornbread. As long as it tastes good, great ... but still gotta give people a hard time to continue the feud!) 😆 Also, my grandfather was a trucker and would bring regional sodas home all the time. I was ahead of the game on Vernor's Ginger Ale (Michigan and I think norther Ohio), Ale81 (I still buy a case of glass bottles when I go into Kentucky!), Cheerwine (NC, best cherry soda *on the market*, fight me! The cane sugar version stays fizzy longer than the corn syrup version. I swear it tasted better when I lived there in 07. 2 liters wouldn't last long enough to lose fizz, lol), Big Red (Alabama), and many others. Those started being distributed in TN where I live, so they're the ones off the top of my head. He would always bring back regional things from wherever the truck took him because he liked showing me that a world existed outside of rural Tennessee. When I got older amd was able to travel on my own, I already had a sense of seeking out "What makes this area unique. What do they enjoy that doesn't really travel outside of this area?" Your channel is a good example of those memories (and lessons) in video format. Happy to be a new subscriber!

[@peterdobol6662]

Thanks Al for another inspiring trip and your unique and heartfelt story telling.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks, Peter! Make sure you check out the one I dropped yesterday on Sam Jones - I think it might be the most epic story I've told yet!

[@jerryhubbard4461]

At age of 72, 8.14.2024, I have had my hands in some kind of cooking since I was a little boy. I was born in the central part of South Carolina where I still live. Around here most barbecue done for business or large parities is done using open pit and hickory. Not all is done that way but that is the staple. Like you, I have eaten barbecue in many places. Some you call barbecue and some not so barbecue. There is no right or wrong way to cook beef or pork. It is either how you were raised or what you like. I get a little ticked when people start talking about regional barbecue and how it is supposed to be prepped and smoked in that area. That is when I call BS. If you make good barbecue and people like it and come back for more, I don't give a S where it comes from. Watching your video is just the way I like things. Simple and good. As for seasoning the meat, you are spot on for me. SPG. So many get carried away with rub when it comes time to eat you wonder what happened to the meat. You have some really good looking food. If I ever get up that way, I will stop and fill up.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Welcome to the show, Jerry! As you, I love all BBQ. I will be doing some more regional shows including ENC and WNC this year and I am hoping to do a SC traditional BBQ show soon. I like the regional flairs - but also like you I relish them I don’t fight over them.

[@Jay-Dee]

wow, Impressed with the production quality! Keep up the good work!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks Jay!

[@neoncatfish4038]

My mom kind of had the same setup back in the 70s here in Texas! She basically had the same pit, without a firewall. She used the same seasoning, but she did not trim anything off the brisket! She had that place tell it burnt down. It was said by the competitor, in their big fancy new restaurant. The manager and the owner (sheriff) had a lot of pull in the county! People going to work that morning, said a sheriff's department car was sitting in the drive before the fire! She had a really good business at the time!

[@EdwardNY8]

Thanks for ruining my night 😅, I'm so hungry to try some of that delicious bbq now - yet so far away. Sounds like a future road trip to me.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

lol sorry to do that to you!

[@lynnbruner5280]

I absolutely love that he makes his own rules! I can relate. Keep smokin'

[@nickma71]

I can't say the thought of stuffing my chicken with chicken entered into my mind. I'm enjoying this series. I found it because he got schooled by Harry Soo. His brisket rub is similar to Harry with all the pepper. I do it similar now. My start was making my own all purpose seasoning, courtesy of Malcom Reed's channel. 1 part salt, 1/2 part garlic, 1/4 part pepper. I still use it for all kinds of everything. My brisket rub evolved from that to removing half the salt for Lawry's. Then I increased the pepper a lot, including adding pepper after the rub. So his rub is very similar to mine.

[@dennisfeldman56]

Al and Nick one of the best videos and stories I have ever seen and heard. Yes the food was one part however, the story behind it was the star of the show! Truly outstanding work guys!😊

[@brianevans2377]

Thank You for your quick reply ! The only alternative would be for me to make a smoker with your plans. Learning your techniques by helping would be a second way. Both not free.

[@surfsup62]

Loved watching this. I live a couple miles from Owensboro and the only thing different is mutton. (And we got huge pots for Burgoo) add a little music and you got a perfect life. Keep it up.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

One of these days I will make it out to Owensboro and get me some of that mutton bbq! Thanks for watching!

[@hans-jorgklotz5508]

Thanks for the great insight into the BBQ world. I'm from Germany and my dream is a BBQ through part of America. These are different dimensions of BBQ. I smoke 1 brisket, pulled pork or ribs. Or make with the griddle Phily Chilli Cheese Steak Sandwich. This documentary is really fantastic. Greetings from Germany. I hope my English isn't that bad

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Your English is great, Han’s - as is your view of BBQ! I hope you do come to the USA and get lots of BBQ!

[@thatcherbarbecuecompany]

@hans-jorgklotz5508 come visit me when you get to go on that bbq trip through America!!

[@hans-jorgklotz5508]

@@thatcherbarbecuecompany I hope i can realized my dream and then i will definitely come to see you and eat from all deliceous BBQ

[@bildo99ify]

3:35 In my opinion, being able to make these statements, is one of the most profound expressions a person can make in life. Finding your passion, and then finding a way to sustain it, and thrive on it garners much respect. 🤙🏽

[@jaysmoke3132]

S & C passionate about the food and the community. It's people like this that make America great.

[@lancerogersmusic]

Great story!! The Thatchers are the real deal, love everything about this, thank you for covering it 🙌

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Yes they are - meeting people like this makes the hard work worthwhile!

[@brian2359]

It breaks my heart that towns like this are destroyed by the closing of coal mines! The community support there is second to none! The BBQ looked amazing! The heart he puts into his cooks is impressive!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

You're spot on Brian. But stories like Shawn's can be an inspiration to everone affected by these things.

[@medvetz7010]

True, but it shows American ingenuity to adapt and overcome and find a new path, with new dreams to fight for. Glad it worked out for them. I wish them the best of luck, but doesn’t look like they need it. They already got each other to lean on.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

@medvetz7010 So well said.

[@JudiChristopher]

Love Love LOVE this video... Can't wait til next year so we can LEARN How To do his Grandmother's Fried Chicken. Do we have to wait a whole Year??? Thank you guys for sharing this great video.

[@jon316love9]

I sure enjoyed this video you’ve put together. Great spirit of love, friends, family and Good Food

[@MarkH81954]

I will be up to see you guys! I live in Limestone TN and Clintwood VA. I see a bike trip in my near future. I am a brisket fiend! I do a little smoking myself and always love trying someplace new. God Bless you guys...SEE YOU SOON!

[@inmyopinion651]

I live 2 hours away but will definitely go see Thatchers and try that Eastern Ky Q. I have eaten BBQ most of my life at different places and look forward to trying it. Looks like he makes his food to eat not show.

[@hillbillyinthephilippines303]

I'm a Eastern Kentucky barbecuer from Perry County Kentucky I incorporate different methods from the mountains I really love this video it shows the abundant knowledge of Appalachian people to adapt and Excel

[@thatcherbarbecuecompany]

Thanks for the comment and for watching the video. I know a bunch of people in Perry county and I worked at the coal tipple at Hiner/bulan for many years. Come down and visit with me next time you travel down the mt parkway!!

[@hillbillyinthephilippines303]

@@thatcherbarbecuecompany I sure will my friend I look forward to it

[@macdavis757]

Eastern Kentucky Barbecue is on the map now congrats 🎊🎈🎉

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Awesome.

[@RV_Chef_Life]

I like this Man’s style. I grew up in Western Louisiana and my BBq is a mix of Texas and Cajun so I can relate with him using different styles.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Man I bet your bbq is good! Paul Prudhomme meets (your favorite Texas pitmaster’s name here) would have to be!

[@wickedgrin9837]

I learned some stuff from this video I’m practicing on chickens to learn poultry can’t afford brisket going to smoke a spactchcock turkey for my family this Thanksgiving

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Great! I'm so glad you learned some things! If you've got questions, just ask!

[@William-i5u]

This guy knows exactly what he is doing great job 👍

[@neilbailey1139]

Maybe the best video you've done. THIS is the type of content I want to see

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks Neil! I hope to give you one every month!

[@brandonsmith606]

This was such a great video. Very well put together with the interviews and all, thanks for bringing us along I'm always learning new things about great BBQ.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks, Brandon! Another one drops tomorrow!

[@Cooking_therapy_everyday]

Excellent job guys! Fascinating story. Great audio and the framing of the video was awesome. I got so wrapped up in watching it I'm now late to start my smoker, lol. Seriously though, great job and I'm excited to see what's next. 2nd comment.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks so much Rodney! Hopefully whatever you're smoking will get done in time!

[@leecrume8144]

Awespme. Bravo to this fella for figuring it out and getting it done

[@manfredneumann938]

Hi Al - this video was outstanding. Well done Sir. Looking forward to the next one.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks, Manfred! The first Friday in September at 9am ET!

[@Patches9427]

Great video! So gracious of Shawn Thatcher to share his recipe’s ! 😋👍🏽 Wishing these guy’s many more years of success!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks - and you're right Shawn is amazing!

[@BenFeldman-kz7gt]

Al, This was an amazing video! No one else has looked at this Kentucky bbq. You even beat Jeremy Yoder and he lives in Kentucky! Keep up the great content! Can't wait to see you cook this style!👍

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks, Ben! My cook to try to replicate this dropped on @eatmorevegans a few hours ago - go check it out!

[@tuffbeingblonde]

Never saw your channel before and I’m sure you have heard it before but you sound just like Sam the Cooking Guy. Loved this story. As a small town girl also from NC I love to see community come together! Wishing them all the best and success!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

lol a few have mentioned that! Thanks for watching and welcome to the channel. Stay tuned - I think you’re really going to like the next one!

[@austinmartinez2042]

Amazing video! The American dream alive and well is so accurate! Great stuff!

[@lyleswavel320]

Those briskets look like top premium meat, at least high choice, maybe prime, that trim on the briskets looked spot on, keep up the great bbqing

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Shawn's got a great supplier - he gets top choice for a reasonable price. Thanks for watching Lyle!

[@jessefugate8154]

So proud of Shawn and his wife! They are very hard working folks who are genuine people too! You won’t meet a nicer guy than Shawn! Best bbq u will ever eat!

[@Mr99dm]

Worked in Jackson and stayed in Slade about 5 mins from Thatcher BBQ. Ate there on the weekend very good food.

[@Fork-And-Embers]

I love my home state! I always wished there was a bigger representation of BBQ here. This makes me happy for sure!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Nice!

[@cjhayes7666]

Keep doing what you believe love your bbq I will put someday to shake your hand!!! and say thank you from one bbq community to another much respect !!!!

[@mommadomingo1440]

I love how they are building their community up.

[@orvillespencer1011]

I come from Beatyville. I was just down there 2 weeks ago. Wish id have known about you cause id have stopped by

[@garytingler3222]

That is one of the best videos you have done.!!! Really down to earth and humble. The food looks fantastic. The chicken was a neat deal.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks Gary!

[@scottboyer8990]

AL, this video could be the very best video you have ever done! I truly Love it! If all the videos from “Behind the Food” are like this it will be a HUGE success! I Loved how you painted the picture of the town, the BBQ company etc. Best of luck but you won’t need it! Scott

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Wow thanks so much for the kind words, Scott. I'm so glad you "get it" - this is what Behind the Food is all about. It's the 2nd most rewarding thing I've done in my 57 years - the first of course is being a father.

[@absoz]

Another brilliant vid guys. And I’m gonna say it’s not just an American dream these people are doing, it’s a dream of people around the whole world. Sharing good food, sharing good times, nothing but sharing everything good with other good people. BBQ’s have that attraction of bringing out the best in people with the biggest smiles on their dials with dinner sized plates for eyes Love your work Al and Nick, and all the crew in KY … hmmm, can I join you when you go back to film grandma’s fried chicken ? 😍

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

You get it Andrew. That's what this is all about. And of course you're welcome to tag along. Wait until you taste is burnt ends!!!

[@KarnivoreKaren]

Beautiful country. Shawn and Crystal made it work with a lot of dedication and ingenuity. Wish I could find an extra 3 days on my road trip next month to visit, Im liking the soft bark on the briskets.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

You should find time Karen - these are extraordinary people and they make extraordinary food. And say hi from me when you go!

[@DGH12]

Darn , iam getting hungry. Great job buddy always stay positive and remember with the Lord everything is possible

[@rcheramy1]

The food, the people and the story are all incredible! I can't wait for more episodes!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks Reg!

[@johncochrane1301]

I just found your channel and am so happy I did!!! GREAT video, very professional look, with a human approach!!! Thank you.

[@tpharo34]

Such a well done documentary on BBQ; from a Texas backyard bbq guy East Kentucky is making great bbq👌

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks! And well said!

[@Bushlore1]

Middlesboro KY here, lived in Texas last 30 years. I love seeing my homeland in the background, hearing the familiar accent, and all wrapped around my favorite thing on earth. BBQ!!! For me the taste of the region is the most important ingredient of all, THE WOOD! Love some Texas post oak and mesquite and would love to learn more about your local options. I will be back in town beginning of next month. Best of luck to ya good sir!

[@AdamOneal-c2r]

Love Kentucky. My grandparents came down the mountain after ww2. We would go occasionally on vacation so they remind us kids how hard life gets.

[@dakotadavis5462]

Glad to see anybody be successful at what they love even more so to see a brother mason do it in a area as tough as that

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Yes sir.

[@joshtakacs9800]

I have wanted to visit Kentucky for a long time. This place will be going on my list of things to do for sure.

[@kowaltoboggan]

Bless them. Very proud of you all.

[@chrisb6823]

Thank you for this video I luv the fact that people still look at the Appalachian Mountains and there people and admire how they and we live. By the way I am born and raised in the southern Appalachian Mountains I just have to work some where else to make a living

[@gregory2709]

I really like the direction you're taking the channel! What an excellent video. Serious congrats to you and your team!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks Gregory!

[@robertjason6885]

Al, we’re waiting for you here I. The Nashville area! Love this new offshoot of the Al experience.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

It's on the list Robert! If you know folks I should profile in Nashville please DM me about it on IG!

[@robertjason6885]

@@BehindTheFoodTVWill do… though I’ll admit watching your videos has refined my skills enough that even my wife is onboard! We don’t dine out much now… and certainly not smoked meat. My guess is rural TN will be where you find stories similar to this one. Cheers.

[@vincedee6607]

Excellent video, big thumbs to the Thatcher family👍

[@Keith80027]

Thanks for all the background about the area and how they are hanging on. What type of wood are they using from the area? Yes for that Grandma Fried Chicken, fried chicken is one of my favorites foods. That custom designed smoke does give a totally different look to the finished product on the bottom. What kind of sauce does East Kentucky use? How were those wings? What is the real taste difference between KY and Tx BBQ?, is it lighter in smoke taste, not as much bark? Sure glad you stopped in this BBQ Pitt and bring all the history of the are to us. Really enjoy these schooling videos. I give the seasoning method a try on my pull pork smoke in about two weeks.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

So many questions! Hickory and White Oak for wood. Everything was delicious! And the wings got pulled with the rest of the birds. Did I miss any?

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Oh and vs Texas - the bark was flavorful - a little more salty than TX and a little softer. Delicious.

[@Keith80027]

@@BehindTheFoodTV You got them. Thanks for letting me know that it was a little salty.

[@pkdiddy]

What an amazing story. I wish these guys much success.

[@RoughRikBBQ]

Fantastic video, always love watching your BBQ, keep up the great work 🔥👍🔥👍🔥👍🔥

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks Rik!

[@sidfarkes3795]

The story is a tale of dedication, resolve, and resilience! The rest of America should learn from this family and whole area that when you come together as a community and find ways of picking others up to be successful, the whole area rejuvenates to become successful. What a GREAT story

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Well said!

[@johnc2144]

Hey Al, wonderful video, showcasing some great folks. You captured something very special in telling their story. Loved it

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks John!

[@ZacTexC]

It all depends on where you’re at for which wood you use. Texas has post oak, mesquite, pecan,…..

[@mvblitzyo]

beautiful story of real life with food that we prepare with the joy in our soul ..

[@BenGill8033]

I live a little over three hours away and will find time to come visit them. This was and excellent video.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

You totally should, Ben! And tell them I say hi while you're there!

[@tonyrauls1941]

After 20+ years in maintenance work, my pipe dream is to get into harbecue. I love good food and making people happy. I just cant get out of my own way 😢

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Let Shawn be your inspiration Tony! He started learning BBQ before he had to use it to feed his family - and look where he is now!

[@Stonecoldou]

I love your channel. I am a subscriber. Thank you for showing us bbq across America!!! ❤❤❤

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks Jeremy!

[@jonsmallwood1657]

Great video, BBQ looks tasty. The story puts a smile on this ol Kentucky boy's face.

[@hoofaarted]

Great video - enjoyed this one. I actually do a similar seasoning method myself -- and never trimmed off the mohawk :)

[@charleshalbrook168]

Everyone involved, this was great. Keep up the great work. Can’t wait to make the trip down from Covington to visit you guys.

[@DerbyBandit]

Dammmm…videos got even BETTER! Legit stories and bbq looked good. Imma have to try leaving the Mohawk on after seeing this. Nice work!

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks!

[@garyhammond2213]

I don't eat pork like a lot of southerners. However, I like beef, Kentucky (Bluegrass) music and Kentucky Tobacco. In fact, I have some Burley growing in my front yard.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Plenty of beef to eat at Thatcher's!

[@bbodybenny]

I would love to meet a bbq cook like this fella. What a down to earth and talented guy. Hope he does well with his business, I would love to visit it one day.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

It's the absolute best part of my job. If you find your way there, say hi from me! -Al

[@troyv8302]

That was an awesome video Al. Really enjoying these long form programs. Nicely produced, almost professional feeling. Learning about cooking and culture from different regions is pretty damn cool. Thanks!

[@thedarkside3394]

This was great! Looking forward to more vids like this.

[@BehindTheFoodTV]

Thanks! The plan is to have one for you the first Friday of every month - and if it goes well then we'll do more than 1/month. Appreciate your support!