Ernest Servantes - What It Takes to Be #1 in Texas BBQ (Burnt Bean Co.) | Live Fire Podcast

From backyard pop-ups to the #1 BBQ restaurant in Texas—this is the story of Ernest Servantes.

In this episode of Live Fire, LC sits down with Ernest Servantes, co-owner of Burnt Bean Co.—named #1 on the Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ list.

But this isn’t just a barbecue story. Ernest shares how he spent decades preparing for one shot at building something great—going from competition BBQ to selling out of his garage during COVID… to becoming one of the most respected pitmasters in Texas.

They dive into:

• The mindset required to become the #1 BBQ restaurant in Texas

• Why Ernest waited until later in life to go all in

• How he built a culture-first team with zero experience

• The difference between a team and a squad

• Why hospitality matters more than food

• What happens after you reach the top—and why he’s already starting over

This conversation is about more than brisket. It’s about discipline, sacrifice, leadership—and building something that lasts.