Benjie Ayala
Pinehurst Brewing Co., Pinehurst, N.C.

Hailing from Puerto Rico, Benjie Ayala serves as Pitmaster for the Pinehurst Brewing Co, and is excited about bringing some hometown flair to the 2023 Pinehurst Barbecue Festival. Ayala, known for his beef ribs, has a 20-year culinary career across the Sandhills, including sous chef roles at Pine Needles Resort and Country Club and Southern Pines mainstay Chapman’s before arriving on the scene at Pinehurst Brewing Co. A first-year participant of the Christopher Prieto Pitmaster Invitational, Ayala is excited for the opportunity.

“I know I’m the rookie,” he said with a laugh. “But I’ve got a couple of secrets up my sleeve that I know will work out well!

Pinehurst Brewing Co. on Instagram: @pinehurstbrewing
www.pinehurstbrewing.com