John Bates is a future-school pitmaster with old-school discipline, putting InterStellar BBQ at the forefront of Texas barbecue’s next evolution.
- Founder of InterStellar BBQ in Austin, ranked in Texas Monthly’s Top 5 BBQ Joints, two lists in a row
- Awarded a Michelin star in 2024, making InterStellar one of the first barbecue joints globally to receive this honor
- Pioneer of future-school barbecue, fusing traditional low and slow with chef-driven techniques, global flavors, and precise execution
- Guest pitmaster at major festivals including Meatstock, The Big Grill, and Austin City Limits