Hector Garate Is One of the Next Legends of Barbecue

Hector Garate is the owner and pitmaster behind the acclaimed Charleston, South Carolina, restaurant Palmira Barbecue. Born in Puerto Rico, he grew up with a deep love for his culture and his family’s cooking. During his teenage years, he moved with them to North Carolina and New York before settling in the Lowcountry. In 2024, after years of experimenting with different barbecue styles, he opened Palmira Barbecue, which Southern Living named the best new barbecue joint in the South. Now, Hector is bringing his style and personality to an even bigger audience as a contestant on Food Network’s Pitmasters, his first cooking competition show. Sid talks to Hector about the inspiration behind the name Palmira, his extensive collection of custom hats, and where he thinks barbecue is headed next.

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Episode Art Courtesy of Southern Living / Peter Frank Edwards

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