Who we are

Patrick Klaiber: Colorado’s most recognized Pitmaster, found his calling behind the smoker at just sixteen. A self-taught craftsman who rose through the ranks to lead his former restaurant team to earn a coveted Bib Gourmand designation from the Michelin Guide in 2023, Klaiber is known for his no-shortcuts, product-first approach. For him, good barbecue begins with humility—and ends with an unshakable respect for the process.

Manny Barella: Riot BBQ is a soulful return to his roots in Monterrey, Mexico where barbecue culture is a way of life. His cultural identity is deeply tied to the region’s prominent barbecue culture—where the community has a deep reverence for fire-cooked meats and where tending the grill on your own is a rite of passage. After refining his craft at pits across Georgia and Texas, he returns to Denver to celebrate the food of his childhood with new depth.