About Pig Pickin’ BBQ
Pig Pickin’ BBQ was founded by Justin Sellers, whose love for authentic Eastern North Carolina barbecue began in Goldsboro, North Carolina.
While working at McCall's BBQ and Seafood, Justin learned the traditions that define the region’s barbecue culture—slow-smoking pork (including whole pigs), crafting classic Eastern NC vinegar sauce, preparing signature coleslaw, and frying up golden hush puppies. The experience instilled a deep respect for time-honored techniques and the simple ingredients that make great barbecue.
Justin’s path eventually took him far from North Carolina. After graduating from East Carolina University, he moved to Chicago and later Colorado to pursue a career in chemistry and built a career as a formulation scientist. That scientific background continues to influence his cooking today, bringing a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to barbecue—from ingredient quality and preparation methods to the balance of flavors in every dish.
Justin settled in Fort Collins with his wife, Mary Beth, where they are raising their two children. Over the years, he kept the tradition alive by cooking Eastern North Carolina barbecue for friends and family—most memorably catering his own rehearsal dinner when he and Mary Beth were married.
In the spring of 2025, Justin decided to turn that lifelong passion into a business, launching Pig Pickin’ BBQ. The food truck officially rolled out in September 2025, bringing authentic Eastern North Carolina–style barbecue to Northern Colorado—slow-smoked pork, classic sides, and the kind of simple, honest food that brings people together.
What Makes the BBQ Unique
Pig Pickin’ BBQ brings a true taste of Eastern North Carolina to Colorado, while adding a few house specialties along the way:
Authentic Eastern North Carolina–style barbecue, featuring slow-smoked pork and classic vinegar-based sauce
Traditional sides including Eastern NC-style coleslaw and hush puppies
Potato salad based on Mary Beth’s family recipe
Justin’s green chili, made with his slow-smoked pork
House-made pork belly, a recipe Justin developed himself that has quickly become a fan favorite
Philosophy & Approach to Food
Justin approaches barbecue with a balance of tradition and precision.
A scientific mindset shaped by his career as a formulation scientist
A focus on process, consistency, and technique
A commitment to high-quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation
Respect for the time-honored traditions of Eastern North Carolina barbecue
Connection to the Community
Pig Pickin’ BBQ is proud to be part of the Northern Colorado community.
A family-run business based in Fort Collins
Built on the belief that great barbecue brings people together
Always looking to partner with local events around the region
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name “Pig Pickin’” comes from a long-standing Eastern North Carolina tradition.
A pig pickin’ is a gathering where a whole hog is slow-smoked and shared among friends and family
Guests traditionally “pick” the meat directly from the smoked pig
It represents community, hospitality, and simple, delicious food
That spirit is exactly what Pig Pickin’ BBQ hopes to bring to every stop.
What Customers Can Expect
When you visit Pig Pickin’ BBQ, you can expect:
Slow-smoked pork prepared the traditional way
Classic sides and scratch-made recipes
Big flavors and comforting food
Barbecue meant to be shared with friends and family
