Intro
Meet Ernest Servantes and Dave Kirkland — the co-owners and pitmasters behind The Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin, Texas. What started as a rivalry on the competition BBQ circuit turned into one of the most celebrated partnerships in Texas barbecue. Ernest spent years dominating the circuit, winning just about award worth winning, before crossing paths with Dave, a competitor he kept finding himself pitted against. Ernest shared his tips, Dave paid attention, and the two eventually joined forces. Today The Burnt Bean Co. holds the title of the #1 BBQ joint in Texas on Texas Monthly's Top 50 list and has earned its place among the most decorated smokehouses in the country. If you haven't been to Seguin, this is your reason to go.
Q&A
What is your profession? And did you always know this is what you would end up doing, or was it something you stumbled into?
Ernest: I'm the chef and co-owner of The Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin, Texas. I always knew this is what I wanted to do.
David: Co-owner and pitmaster of Burnt Bean Co. I always enjoyed competition BBQ but never imagined having a restaurant. Right place, right friend, right time.
When you’re not doing your core pursuit, what else do you enjoy doing?
Ernest: Hunting, fishing, and cooking for my family.
David: Going to concerts, cars, trucks, motorcycles — anything with wheels. And family time with the grandkids.
How do you incorporate music into your life?
Ernest: Music is life. I have a Turtlebox in just about every room in my house — kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, garage. One is always playing.
David: Music is my life. Working, driving, or hanging out — always on, especially at concerts.
What does “Live Free” mean to you?
Ernest: To live free means having the courage to become exactly who you are meant to be.
David: Simply put — Christ died on the cross for our sins, which allows us to Live Free. I have a spiritual heart.
Any guilty pleasures?
Ernest: McRibs with extra BBQ sauce. No onions.
David: Sugar-filled coffee and burgers.
What’s your hottest take or most controversial opinion?
Ernest: Ketchup on tamales.
David: The only competition you have in life is with yourself. Also — beans absolutely go in chili.
What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you in the wild/on tour?
Ernest: Getting chased up a tree by five wild hogs.
David: Sitting at Gravediggers Pub in Dublin, Ireland having some coddle and a pint of Guinness with Ernest, Daniel Vaughn, and Cassie Stokes. I'm a big Jameson fan so getting to have a drink at the distillery with my wife Michelle was also pretty sweet.
Who is your favorite musical artist? Or what are you listening to right now?
Ernest: Right now I'm thoroughly enjoying Midnight Generation. My all-time favorites are the Gypsy Kings.
David: I listen to everything — Metallica, The Cure, Depeche Mode, Rush, ZZ Top, George Strait, Blue October, Casting Crowns, Jeremy Camp, Brandon Lake, Christopher Cross. The list goes on.
Favorite Turtlebox speaker and why? How do you use it?
Ernest: My favorite is the Original. It has exactly what I want in a speaker and I use it every single day.
David: The Original — inside the house, the outdoors, and everywhere.
