About Keaton
It all started with my passion for film. I initially moved to Los Angeles to further my career in the entertainment industry. However, something unexpected happened after I settled here – I discovered a deep-seated love for outdoor cooking.
As a child, my family used to make regular visits to my grandparents’ ranch in my hometown of Modesto, California. Those gatherings were always special, filled with the rich aroma of our VaVa’s sauce, Italian sausage, garlic bread, and succulent tri-tip. It was my father who skillfully manned the grill, churning out perfectly cooked tri-tip and sausage. He’s the one who ignited my fascination with barbecue.
When I relocated to Los Angeles, my job involved capturing the culinary and mixology talents of restaurant chefs and bartenders, showcasing their creations. It was during this time that I embarked on a journey to document “Live Fire: Santa Maria BBQ,” a documentary highlighting the art of Santa Maria-style barbecue. Through this project, I had an epiphany – my true passion in the world of film was fueled by the world of barbecue. That realization inspired me to create Keat’s Barbecue, where my love for both film and the art of barbecue come together in a delicious union.
