What started as backyard barbecue on Catalina Island has grown into something much bigger.
Avalon Smokehouse, led by Catalina’s own local pitmaster Santiago Bryan-Zwick, is now competing at the highest levels of open-fire barbecue, taking his craft from the island to Texas and back again with new inspiration, recognition, and momentum. Cooking low and slow over charcoal and wood, his approach blends old-timer barbecue roots with California influence, creating layered flavors that have quickly earned a loyal following.
Built by the community it serves, Avalon Smokehouse has become Catalina’s first mobile barbecue business, helping shape local events, festivals, and fundraisers along the way. In just one year, the company has grown from a small startup into a nationally recognized operation, earning sponsorships, appearing in two documentaries by Seager Co., and setting its sights on opening its first brick-and-mortar storefront.
A recent trip to Texas, the heart of live-fire barbecue culture, marked a major milestone. Competing alongside some of the country’s most respected pitmasters, Santiago showcased Catalina’s take on craft barbecue at scale, including a live-fire surf-and-turf “char”cuterie experience for more than 2,500 guests, which included his espresso rubbed tri tip, maple glazed and crab stuffed salmon and house made longaniza cheddar jalapeño sausages. The response confirmed what many on the island already knew. Avalon Smokehouse can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the country.
Back home, the impact has been just as meaningful. Avalon Smokehouse brisket has become a local favorite, earning a reputation as some of the most tender meat to hit the streets and often called the best brisket to cross the Pacific. His sauces and rubs now appear across Front Street, including collaborations like barbecue chicken pizza at Antonio’s and seasoned carnitas, further weaving those flavors into the fabric of the island’s food scene. From weddings at the Ranch to community events, the work continues to reach new corners of the community.
Looking ahead, the momentum shows no signs of slowing. On June 20, Avalon Smokehouse will bring more than 14 pitmasters to Two Harbors for the Beach BBQ and Arts Festival, also known amongst the Pitmaster’s as the Catalina Swine Mixer. Confirmed participants include Avalon Smokehouse ,Titus Smokers (Ca top grill and smoker fabricator), Califas bbq ,Full Send BBQ ,Saucy Luke’s Craft BBQ, low budget meals, get it proper bbq, blvk_smokesbbq187 (appeared on Netflix bbq showdown) , crazy gringo bbq , grills on film, big sal’s bbq, madluv4food , oc smokehouse, novas craft bbq, spaceman knives , Smoky G’s BBQ, pit boss bbq with more to be announced.
At its core, the story remains simple. A homegrown operation, growing hungry, pushing forward, and deeply grateful. “This community allowed us to grow,” Zwick says. “The goal has always been to get Catalina Island recognized for craft barbecue, and we’re just getting started.”
California barbecue has arrived. Catalina is leading the wave.
