Johnny Trigg Net Worth 2025 | Celebrity BBQ Chef & Pitmaster Wealth

Johnny Trigg's net worth is estimated at $8 million as of 2025. Renowned as a celebrity chef and a dominant force in the competitive barbecue circuit, Trigg has built his wealth through championship wins, television appearances, and successful business ventures in the barbecue industry.
Quick Facts About Johnny
Fact | Details |
---|---|
Net Worth | $8 Million (2025) |
Date of Birth | December 1, 1938 |
Age | 86 Years |
Profession | Celebrity Chef, Pitmaster, BBQ Competitor |
Place of Birth | Mineral Wells, Texas, USA |
Hometown | Alvarado, Texas |
Nationality | American |
Residence | Mississippi |
Spouse | Trish Trigg |
BBQ Team | Smokin’ Triggers |
Nicknames | Godfather of Barbecue, New England Patriots of Barbecuing |
Television Show | BBQ Pitmasters |
Awards | 2x Jack Daniel's World Championship BBQ Invitational Grand Champion, Season 3 BBQ Pitmasters Grand Championship |
Social Media | |
Wikipedia | Johnny Trigg |
Early Life & Background
Johnny Trigg was born on December 1, 1938, in Mineral Wells, Texas. Growing up in Alvarado, Texas, Trigg developed an early appreciation for good food and Southern cooking traditions. He graduated from Cisco High School in Cisco, Texas, and pursued higher education at the University of North Texas.
Trigg's initial career path led him to the corporate world, where he worked as an insurance executive for Fireman's Fund Insurance Company in San Francisco.

Career Journey & Achievements
After retiring from his insurance career in December 1996, Johnny Trigg fully embraced his passion for barbecue. His introduction to BBQ began in 1984 when he purchased his first trailer BBQ after being impressed by a colleague's briskets. By 1990, Trigg had entered his first competitive BBQ event in Denton, Texas, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in the barbecue circuit.
Trigg's dedication to BBQ competitions led him to participate in Kansas City Barbeque Society events starting in 1999, attracted by better prize money. Annually, he enters around 45 contests, dedicating between 225 and 230 days each year to competing on the road. His BBQ team, "Smokin’ Triggers," has earned him nicknames like the "Godfather of BBQ" and "the New England Patriots of barbecuing."
Johnny Trigg is a two-time Grand Champion of the Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational BBQ in Lynchburg, Tennessee, winning the title in 2000 and 2003. These victories were historic, as he was the first competitor to win the prestigious event more than once. Additionally, Trigg made a significant impact on television by appearing in the first two series of the TLC reality show BBQ Pitmasters and returning in Season 3 to win the Grand Championship.
Income Sources & Business Ventures
Johnny Trigg's wealth stems from multiple income sources:
- Competitive BBQ: Prize money from winning prestigious BBQ competitions like the Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational.
- Television Appearances: Earnings from participating in BBQ Pitmasters on TLC.
- Business Ventures: Revenue from his BBQ team "Smokin’ Triggers" and related merchandise.
- Endorsements: Brand endorsements and partnerships within the barbecue and culinary industries.
- Culinary Services: Catering services and private events hosted by Trigg and his team.
Asset Breakdown
Johnny Trigg's assets include:
- Real Estate: Residences in Mississippi and Texas.
- Business Assets: BBQ trailers, cooking equipment, and merchandise related to "Smokin’ Triggers."
- Investments: Savings and investments accumulated from his insurance career and ongoing business ventures.
- Personal Assets: Luxury vehicles and personal collectibles related to his BBQ legacy.
Wealth Growth Timeline
- 1984: Purchased first trailer BBQ, sparking his interest in competitive barbecue.
- 1990: Entered first BBQ competition in Denton, Texas.
- 1999: Began competing in Kansas City Barbeque Society events for better prize money.
- 2000: Won first Grand Champion title at the Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational.
- 2003: Secured second Grand Champion title at the same prestigious event.
- 2012: Inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame by the American Royal Association.
- 2025: Estimated net worth reaches $8 million, bolstered by championship wins and television success.
Personal Life Details
Johnny Trigg resides in Mississippi with his wife, Trish Trigg. Together, they support his extensive travel schedule for BBQ competitions and business ventures. Trigg remains deeply connected to his Texas roots, often incorporating traditional Southern flavors into his barbecue techniques.

Interesting Facts & Lesser-Known Details
- Military Support: Trigg was one of four chefs who traveled to Kuwait to cook over a hundred briskets at each US troop station, showcasing his commitment to supporting the military.
- Philanthropy: Beyond competitions, Johnny is involved in various charitable activities, often donating his time and culinary skills to support local communities.
- Legacy: As the "Godfather of BBQ," Trigg has mentored numerous young pitmasters, helping to sustain and grow the competitive barbecue scene.
Johnny Trigg's impressive net worth is a testament to his dedication, skill, and passion for barbecue. From his early days in Texas to becoming a celebrated figure in the culinary world, Trigg continues to inspire and lead in the art of barbecue.