These Tacoma Chefs Are Bringing Their Barbecue to Food Network (www.southsoundmag.com)

submitted 5 days ago by velma@sh.itjust.works to c/Tacoma@sh.itjust.works

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Less than two years after opening the doors to GRANN on Tacoma's Sixth Avenue, co-owners and chefs Reginald Jacob Howell and Denzel Johnson are taking their passion for barbecue to a national audience.

The South Sound chefs are featured competitors on Food Network's new series "Pitmasters," alongside eight other two-person teams. The show premieres at 9 p.m. on June 13 on Food Network and the following day on HBO Max and Discovery+.

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[-] velma@sh.itjust.works 3 points 5 days ago

GRANN is an outstanding newer restaurant. Highly recommend trying it out if you haven't done so yet.

Chefs Reginald Jacob Howell and Denzel Johnson unveiled their long-gestating dream — the homey, vibrant GRANN Restaurant — last spring.

Howell has a diverse background in Asian fusion, Italian, and Creole cuisines, while Johnson brings nearly two decades as a pitmaster to GRANN, specializing in bold, Southern-style barbecue. The Sixth Avenue space, named in honor of the women — especially their grandmothers — who shaped Howell’s and Johnson’s lives, features a carefully curated drink menu and reflects the co-owners’ passion for hospitality and good food.

Really cool interview with the two chefs behind GRANN

this post was submitted on 14 Jul 2026

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