Whole Hog BBQ

Meet Nick Anneken

Hi, I'm Nick Anneken, owner of Judge Bean's BBQ.

I was born and raised in Nashville. My love for barbecue started with two small bullet-style smokers, cooking for friends and family. I tried everything I could—from ribs and pork butts to brisket and even smoking tomatoes for homemade salsa. I loved learning, experimenting, and getting a little better every time I fired up the smoker.

In 2012, I bought my first pull-behind smoker and not long after decided to cook for about 200 people at a party on the farm where I grew up working. With the help of some great friends, we pulled it off. Seeing that many people enjoying food we cooked was something I'll never forget.

Cooking became my love language.

I started in the restaurant business at 15 years old at Puffy Muffin, where my mom has worked for more than 30 years. She taught me the importance of hard work, hospitality, and taking care of people. Those years also gave me my first real experience catering events and showed me how food can bring people together.

In 2013, I joined Judge Bean's BBQ as Assistant Manager. Over the years, Judge Bean's became home. I learned every part of the business, fell even more in love with barbecue, and in 2022, I was honored to become the owner.

Even as the owner, my favorite part of the job hasn't changed. I still love getting here in the morning, lighting the pits, getting Brentwood smelling like barbecue, and cooking food that people enjoy.

That's why we bought our new catering smoker.

Judge Bean's Whole Hog Catering lets us take what we love outside the walls of the restaurant. Whole hogs, weddings, family gatherings, company events or just a great party—we can bring the fire, the smoker, and the food directly to you.

Because at the end of the day, that's what barbecue has always been about to me: great food, friends and family, and bringing people together.

I'm excited for this next chapter of Judge Bean's and can't wait to fire up the smoker for you.

— Nick Anneken

Ready to book your next event? Email nick@judgebeans.com