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Pitmaster Jerry Willis tending his trailer smoker as smoke rises at desert golden hour

Our Story

From Tyler, Texas to Phoenix's Best BBQ.

It started at a family reunion in Tyler, Texas — a legendary dry rub passed down through generations, guarded like a secret and earned bite by bite.

Racks of ribs, brisket, and sausage smoking together on The Pitmaster's Secret trailer pit in Arizona

“I’ve never tasted anything so bold. It wasn’t just food. It was legacy.”

The recipe that became The Pitmaster’s Secret was born around a Tyler, Texas table — a dry rub and a low-and-slow method handed down through the family. One bite told Jerry everything: this was worth sharing.

  • 1985

    Family recipe origin

  • 500+

    Events catered

  • TX

    Texas roots

  • AZ

    Proudly Valley-based

From Tyler to Phoenix

Jerry Willis carried that family recipe west to Phoenix, trading nothing on quality. Every rack is still smoked the way his family taught him — patient, hardwood-smoked, and finished with the champion rub that started it all.

A Champion’s Standard

A recognized BBQ Champion, Jerry holds every cook to competition standards: premium cuts, fresh-made sides, and absolutely no shortcuts. That’s the difference Valley guests taste at every event.

More Than BBQ

Beyond catering, Jerry partners with local churches to cook for and feed neighbors in need across the Valley. For The Pitmaster’s Secret, great BBQ has always been about bringing people together around the table.

What We Stand For

Our Pitmaster's Promise.

Low & Slow

Time-honored pit technique and hardwood smoke — never rushed.

Quality First

Premium cuts, fresh-made sides, a champion dry rub, no shortcuts.

Arizona Proud

Texas roots, Valley home — bringing people together, one plate at a time.

Giving Back

Feeding Phoenix's Community — One Event at a Time.

Beyond catering, Jerry partners with local churches to cook for and feed those in need across the Valley. It's more than BBQ — it's a way of bringing people together around the table.

Church & Community Catering

From Recent Events

Real Phoenix BBQ. Real Crowds.

  • Skewers of marinated chicken and vegetables grilling at a Pitmaster’s Secret Phoenix catering event
  • The Pitmaster’s Secret trailer smoker billowing hardwood smoke under a Phoenix sky
  • Bacon-wrapped specialty cuts on the smoker grate at a Pitmaster’s Secret Arizona event
  • Sheet pan loaded with smoked brisket pieces fresh off the pit, ready for catering trays
  • Multiple racks of baby back ribs slow-smoking on the Pitmaster’s Secret pit in Phoenix
  • Close-up of finished Texas-style baby back ribs on the serving platter, sauce cup on the side
  • BBQ catering table set out at an Arizona church or community event by The Pitmaster’s Secret
  • Racks of seasoned ribs filling the smoker grate at a Pitmaster’s Secret cookout
  • Side view of slabs glistening with bark on the pit at a Phoenix BBQ event
  • Catering crew plating BBQ at a Phoenix-area event hosted by The Pitmaster’s Secret
  • Slow-smoked BBQ being served from foil pans at a community gathering in the Valley
  • Guests enjoying The Pitmaster’s Secret BBQ at a Phoenix gathering
  • Pitmaster Jerry Willis tending the smoker at an Arizona BBQ catering event

Don't Just Take Our Word For It

What People Are Saying.

A real customer sharing his take after a Pitmaster's Secret cookout.

“The best BBQ we’ve ever had at an event. Our guests are still talking about those ribs weeks later.”

— Jennifer M.

Wedding Client

“Incredible food and flawless service. Jerry showed up early, set up clean, and fed our whole office. Highly recommend.”

— Michael T.

Corporate Event

“Real-deal Texas BBQ with amazing flavor — you can taste the passion in every bite. We’ll book them again.”

— Sarah K.

Private Party

Arizona Born, BBQ Driven seal

Taste the Legacy at Your Next Event.

Bring Texas-style, slow-smoked BBQ to your Phoenix gathering.

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