Pitmaster
Way out in Marathon,TX, (Pop. 300) farther West than most non-Texan’s might organically conceive as a “nice place to visit”, Phillip Moellering has carved out a little slice of Texas barbecue heaven. Under the shade of Big Bend & the Chisos Mountains stands Brick Vault BBQ, a passion project alongside his friends at The Gage Hotel that has become a must-visit destination in the area. It’s the place where Phillip has sharpened his craft, built a community & made a name as one of the premier pitmasters in the country.
What is your profession? Did you always know this is what you would end up doing or was it something you “stumbled into”?
Pit-master for the Brick Vault Brewery and Barbecue. Operations Director for the Gage Hotel. I started working for The Gage Hotel 15 years ago and we had ambitions to open another food option in Marathon. And we decided to go the BBQ route due to my upbring being around BBQ growing up and cooking with family growing up. 6 years ago we opened up and have been honing our craft of BBQ ever since then. I didn’t always know we would open a BBQ restaurant or even be working at one of the top 10 hotels in Texas but I knew out of college I wanted to be in the service / hospitality industry.
Favorite movie?
Friday Night Lights
Favorite book?
Lonesome Dove
Most inspiring quote, piece of art, saying, or advice that has impacted the way you live today?
Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
When you’re not working, what are you doing for fun?
Golf!
Coolest place you’ve ever traveled?
Bahamas
Bucket list destination you haven’t been yet?
Sweden
You’re stranded on a deserted island - who is coming with you and why?
Fernando Garcia – Guys creative mind would have me in good spirits and the off the wall ideas he has would keep it interesting.
You get to have drinks with anyone (dead or alive) - who are you calling?
Adam Sandler
What advice would you give an 18-year-old that wants to do what you do?
Do it right. Take notes Document everything. No Short Cuts. Really be proud of the work you’re doing. Be teachable and teach at the same time. Be willing to learn and not get discouraged.
Any guilty pleasures?
West Texas Sunsets in late Summer
Favorite wild meat/fish to eat? (i.e. venison, dove, quail, king fish, redfish, etc.) And in what kind of meal do you prepare it/eat it?
Quail. I enjoy it grilled over open fire. But also like it deboned and chicken fried with buttermilk ranch.
What’s your favorite element of Turtlebox? (battery life, durability, waterproofness, sound, togetherness, elevating experiences)
The Sound quality and the durability is by far the best.
How do you use your Turtlebox?
I can honestly say I use it every day. We have one that’s playing every day in the pit room at the restaurant. I have one that stays in the golf cart on the course. If I’m not smoking meats listening to the Turtlebox its with me on the course.
Name the most famous contact in your phone:
George Bush
