Pitmaster · Entrepreneur · Author
Carey Bringle
Born into BBQ. Forged in fire. Even on one leg, he moves mountains.
Real Tennessee BBQ
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Born into BBQ. Forged in fire. Even on one leg, he moves mountains.
When it comes to BBQ, few names carry the weight of Carey Bringle — award-winning pitmaster, entrepreneur, and Nashville native, raised on West Tennessee–style smoke and the traditions that define great barbecue.
The Bringle family has called Tennessee home since 1827. His grandfather, Dr. Carey Bringle Sr., was known for cooking whole hogs and treating patients who included legendary local barbecue families. From places like Bozo's Hot Pit Bar-B-Q and Leonard's Pit Barbecue, Carey developed a deep appreciation for smoke, spice, and tradition.
At just 17, life took a turn — diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer. After months of chemotherapy, he lost his right leg. Instead of letting tragedy define him, he found a new perspective rooted in resilience, joy, and a commitment to live each day to its fullest. That mindset became the spirit behind Peg Leg Porker.
Mentored by his uncle Bruce Bringle, a competitor in the first Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, Carey has now competed for over 27 years — three 2nd-place titles and a 3rd in the prestigious "Whole Hog" category among them.
In 2013 he opened his flagship restaurant, Peg Leg Porker, in Nashville's Gulch. It quickly became a must-visit and the launchpad for a growing family of brands — Bringle's Smoking Oasis, Pig Star, Peg Leg Porker Spirits, the Culinary Loft, and a full line of sauces, rubs, and custom smokers.
The legacy restaurant in Nashville's Gulch — true West Tennessee dry ribs, a pork & chicken menu (no beef in sight), and the anchor of every brand that followed. "We're building a legacy, not a chain."
Bourbon · Tasting RoomThe world's only bourbon brand created by a pitmaster. Hickory-charcoal filtered straight Tennessee whiskey. Crowned World's Best Bourbon at the 2023 Tasting Alliance World Championship.
Restaurant · PatioThe smoke of the Southwest meets Nashville. Smoked brisket, pastrami, beef ribs, Mexican street corn, and Texas-style baked beans on a sprawling open-air patio. Nashville's "Best of" winner.
Airport · BNAAuthentic Memphis-style BBQ at Nashville International — pulled pork nachos, smoked turkey, and PLP's full bourbon line, gate-side.
Deli · BakeryEast Nashville pretzel-and-pastrami magic — built with chef Levon Wallace.
Food ProductsReady-to-heat ribs, pulled pork, Boston butt, and a full line of sauces, rubs, and seasonings shipped nationwide.
PartnershipA nationwide line of sauces & seasonings — Original BBQ, Original Hot, White, Classic Chicken, Brisket — now stocked in over 2,000 stores: HEB, Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, Acme & more.
ApparelHats, tees, hoodies — even dog accessories. Rep your Nashville BBQ stop coast to coast.
AuthorThe authoritative guide. Over 100 of Carey's cherished recipes plus the temperatures, techniques, and pit-side wisdom that turn backyard cooks into pitmasters. Wiley Brothers, available everywhere.
"I left 2,000 calories later, believing in a higher power. The source of the divine inspiration was Peg Leg Porker's barbecue sauce, in which founder Carey Bringle has discovered the perfect ratio of tangy to sweet.
GQLauren Larson
"The World's Best Bourbon — according to the 2023 Tasting Alliance World Championship.
ForbesBrad Japhe
"The best Memphis-style dry rub ribs in the country are in Nashville — at Carey Bringle's masterworks at Music City's Peg Leg Porker.
Eater NationalDaniel Vaughn · Texas Monthly BBQ Editor
"In the rib category, Peg Leg Porker's dry-rubbed ribs — I hate to say it, are probably the hammiest, yummiest, most delicious. I love Carey Bringle's ribs.
Tasting TableAndrew Zimmern
"Bringle, of pitmaster Carey Nashville's Peg Leg Porker BBQ — knows smoke.
Wall Street JournalMatthew Kronsberg
"This is the happiest guy you're ever going to meet — the owner of Nashville's Peg Leg Porker, who despite losing a leg to bone cancer cooks up some of the best barbecue in the country.
Food NetworkMichael Symon · Burgers, Brew & 'Que
"Proud to announce a truly flavor-inspired partnership with Carey Bringle — owner of a top BBQ destination and uniquely also one of the best bourbons in the world.
McCormick & CompanyAndrew Foust · President, Americas
In 2024, Southern Living named Peg Leg Porker the Best BBQ in Tennessee for the 7th time — dethroning some of Memphis's most storied institutions.
Then came bourbon. In 2023, Peg Leg Porker Spirits stunned the industry by winning World's Best Bourbon — beating out legacy Kentucky brands and shaking up the spirits world.
"With one leg and zero interest in playing by the rules, Carey isn't just a pitmaster — he's a force."
Tasting Alliance World Championship — first pitmaster to ever win.
Southern Living's "South's Best BBQ in Every State" — seven-time winner.
Top 20 Entrepreneurs Building an Empire & Redefining Success.
1st place finishes across BBQ Snack, BBQ Apparel, BBQ Drink Mixer, BBQ Focused Article & more.
Thrillist — & "The 15 Most Essential Nashville Food Experiences."
3rd Place Whole Hog at Memphis in May World Championship — twice.
The Daily Meal.
TripAdvisor — alongside multiple Travelers' Choice Wins.
SF World, NY World, Singapore World, ASCOT, SIP Awards, Tasting Alliance — Platinums & Double Golds.
46 episodes (and counting) recorded live from the Peg Leg Porker Spirits Tasting Room. Carey sits down with the legends — Russ Grimm, Donald Link, Jeff Laroache, Allan Bell — to talk anything and everything.
Since March 2017 · @BScorner2020
A three-time guest chef at the James Beard House, Carey is a fixture at Hogs for the Cause — the New Orleans fundraiser for pediatric cancer research.
Having survived osteosarcoma at 17, giving back to kids fighting the same fight isn't a campaign — it's the mission underneath every brand.
James Beard House · 3× Guest Chef · Hogs for the Cause · Annual Fixture
Two decades of building brands across hospitality, IT, healthcare, and telecom. Carey is a Forbes Council contributor, USA Today + Men's Journal "Top 20 Entrepreneur," and a published author.
He has consulted alongside Ninja (Shark), Viking, Grill Rescue, Lodge, Heritage Steel, and McCormick. Speaking engagements include NBBQA, GCIA, McCormick National Sales, Music City Food & Wine, Automatic Conference, and 30+ podcasts.
Press, partnerships, speaking, spirits, BBQ — Carey's team is ready to talk.
Emily Reynolds
Sarah Williams
Deborah Creasman
Deborah Creasman
615.829.6023