The Painted Man’s Story
Since his youth, founder Steve Graves has believed in family, gathering together, sharing great times, and telling tall tales. At the center of those memories was always the dinner table. Each person contributed, and the variety, creativity, and laughter became traditions that shaped his love for food.
Steve first explored creativity through tattooing. He built his reputation on artistry, precision, and listening to clients. The joy of creating tattoos that made people proud carried over into his love for cooking. Eventually, that passion led him to the barbecue pit.
Since his youth, founder Steve Graves has believed in family, gathering together, sharing great times, and telling tall tales. At the center of those memories was always the dinner table. Each person contributed, and the variety, creativity, and laughter became traditions that shaped his love for food.
Steve first explored creativity through tattooing. He built his reputation on artistry, precision, and listening to clients. The joy of creating tattoos that made people proud carried over into his love for cooking. Eventually, that passion led him to the barbecue pit.
From Tattooing
to Barbecue
For Steve, tattooing and barbecue have something in common. Both require patience, attention to detail, and the desire to create something lasting. A tattoo leaves someone smiling when they see the final piece. A perfectly smoked brisket or ribs delivers the same joy. It is the art of rubs, sauces, and smoke coming together into something unforgettable. The Essence of Nashville BBQ.
For Steve, tattooing and barbecue have something in common. Both require patience, attention to detail, and the desire to create something lasting. A tattoo leaves someone smiling when they see the final piece. A perfectly smoked brisket or ribs delivers the same joy. It is the art of rubs, sauces, and smoke coming together into something unforgettable.
What BBQ
Means to Us
Steve describes barbecue as a passion that goes far beyond cooking. It starts with creating a rub, carefully mixing ingredients until the balance is just right. Then comes the sauce, a companion that enhances the flavors with sweet, tangy, and bold notes. Finally, the food reaches the table, where people gather, taste, and savor. Watching faces light up and hearing laughter around a table is the true reward.
At The Painted Man BBQ, we carry that spirit into every event we serve. Barbecue is not just food. It is an experience, a memory, and a moment worth savoring.
Steve describes barbecue as a passion that goes far beyond cooking. It starts with creating a rub, carefully mixing ingredients until the balance is just right. Then comes the sauce, a companion that enhances the flavors with sweet, tangy, and bold notes. Finally, the food reaches the table, where people gather, taste, and savor. Watching faces light up and hearing laughter around a table is the true reward.
At The Painted Man BBQ, we carry that spirit into every event we serve. Barbecue is not just food. It is an experience, a memory, and a moment worth savoring.
