Pub. 54 2013-2014 Issue 4

15 2014 SUMMER Benjamin Price The Story of Franklin Barbecue B enjamin Price, soon to be a high school sophomore, is a budding filmmaker in Austin. A story that he thought worth telling through film was the phenomenon that is Franklin Barbecue. Aaron Franklin has become the ultimate barbecue chef in a state that is unsurpassed in the barbecue universe. Virtually every restaurant critic, food publication or rating blog ranks Franklin Barbecue number one, not in Austin, not in Texas, not in the United States, but in the world. From a modest wooden structure on Austin’s east side, Aaron Franklin serves hundreds of customers every day and turns away just as many after he runs out of his award-winning fare. Undaunted, those customers return the next day, three hours before the restaurant opens, to wait in line, rain or shine, sometimes renting a folding chair from an enterprising vendor, to help sustain them for their journey to barbe- cue heaven. In spite of the commitment in time and effort, never has a Franklin customer said that it wasn’t completely worth it. Benjamin Price’s splendid video can be seen on YouTube at www.youtube. com/watch?v=yKrlpoXqdKc. The teen- age cinematographer has captured the spirit that is Franklin, even down to an interview with the celebrity owner/chef himself. The sky is the limit for this talented video artist. Having traveled with his dad on countless dealer 20 group trips through his young life, and developing friend- ships with dealers’ sons and daughters over the years, he also has car blood in his veins. His passion for travel and interest in sports has taken Benjamin on an amaz- ing journey across the country, with the goal of visiting every one of the 30 major league baseball stadiums. Following his first major league game in Kansas City at age 8, Benjamin has already attended 25 parks across the U.S., has plans to visit 3 more this summer, and will wrap up this remarkable feat while still in high school. With his film in hand, Benjamin Price is an ambassador for Texas iconic barbe- cue as he travels the country following America’s other favorite pastime.  BenjaminPrice’sdad, Chuck, isTADAVice President for Marketing and has been in charge of TADA’s 20 Group program for 23 years. The most knowledgeable staff leader in dealership operations, Chuck has alsodevelopedstrategic partnerships with endorsed companies who are essential to Texas dealers.