MEET YOUR CREW CAPTAINS

CAPTAINS ARE EXPERIENCED GRIDDLE CREW MEMBERS WHO TAKE ON A LEADERSHIP ROLE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. EACH CAPTAIN OVERSEES A SMALL GROUP OF CREW MEMBERS, OFFERING GUIDANCE, ENCOURAGEMENT, AND SUPPORT TO HELP EVERYONE GROW AS CREATORS AND AS PART OF GRIDDLE NATION. THEY SERVE AS A DIRECT LINK BETWEEN THE CREW AND THE BLACKSTONE TEAM, MAKING SURE COMMUNICATION FLOWS SMOOTHLY AND MEMBERS FEEL CONNECTED.

BEING A CAPTAIN ISN’T A LIFETIME ROLE — IT’S A POSITION THAT MEMBERS APPLY FOR YEARLY. THOSE SELECTED ARE CHOSEN FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP, CONSISTENCY, AND PASSION FOR THE GRIDDLE LIFESTYLE. THEIR JOB IS TO SET THE TONE, LEAD BY EXAMPLE, AND HELP EVERY MEMBER OF THEIR POD GET THE MOST OUT OF BEING PART OF THE CREW.

@COOKING_WITH_CRAZYPOP

BUTCH BENNETT

Butch Bennett, also known as Crazy Pop, loves spending with his wife, kids and grandkids. He has several social media channels and owns his own Food Trailer. You can find him most days cooking on his Blackstone Griddle for his family and friends.

@MARTASBISTRO

MARTA DOMINGOS FREITAS

I share accessible, simple, budget-friendly recipes made with love. Celebrating those who sow it, grow it & cook it. Because good food should be easy, affordable, fun, and delicious!

@JESS_FERRIN

JESS FERRIN

I’ve been part of Griddle Nation since 2020, cooking up all things vegetarian. From family favorites to fun creations, I love showing how easy meatless meals can be. At home, I’m usually feeding a hungry crowd, making sure my kids’ favorites get a vegetarian twist for me.

@BLACKSTONECOOKING

MICHAEL GREENLEE

Michael Greenlee, original Griddle Crew Member and YouTube host of Blackstone Cooking, brings bold flavors and community spirit to every cook on the griddle.

@BBQ_BLACKSTONE_AND_BEER

RYAN HOOGLAND

Passionate griddle cook and content creator, Ryan brings creativity and bold flavors to the flat-top. Whether it’s a casual cookout or a full-on Griddle Battle, Ryan’s style is about flavor, community, and a little bit of flair.

@SMOKINGRIDDLEBOIS

PHIL LYNCH

Family first, flavor always. Husband, dad, and griddler sharing laughs, love, and good eats.

@ALDIGIRL_USA

CAYLA METTENBERGER

Cayla— or more popularly known as ALDI Girl. Member of the Blackstone Griddle Crew, bringing you griddle cooking inspo alongside Aldi finds, grocery tips and budget friendly easy meal ideas.

@BLACKSTONE_BROS

AARON PRIESTLEY

For the past 13 years I’ve been about pushing boundaries to transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals. My goal is to show how this simple, versatile tool can bring a world of diverse and delicious flavors right to your backyard.

@BLACKSTONE_BROS

STEVEN PRIESTLEY

Since 2012, my brother and I have loved cooking on Blackstone’s. From steaks to lamb, stir fry’s, burgers and tacos, we bring family, friends, and flavor together around the griddle.

@HAJS_GRIDDLE_GROUP

KEN REPKING

I’m Haj — country cook, beach lover, and griddle fanatic. Whether it’s smash burgers or smoked pork loin, I’m all about good food, cold drinks, and cranking that tank with family and friends!

@MAMAONTHEGRIDDLE

ARI ROBERTS

Mama on the Griddle – specializing in outdoor cooking, sharing simple, delicious recipes straight from her outdoor kitchen.

@COOKING_WITH_THE_SCHMIDT

STEVEN SCHMIDT

I’m Steve “Schmidt” Schmidt—five years with Blackstone Crew, collector of 25+ griddles, pizza ovens, and carts. Outdoor cooking is my passion, and my go-to dish is a killer steak and cheese sub.

@BLACKSTONE_COWBOY

THOMAS WHITTEN

Thomas Whitten grew up in Huntsville, AL but currently resides in Nashville, TN with his wife and 3 daughters. He is a passionate cook who loves to create dishes out of his comfort zone.

@SMOKINGRIDDLEBOIS

KEITH WILMOTH

Keith Wilmoth is a plumber, husband, and proud father of two girls. A passionate Blackstone Griddler, bringing family, flavor, and heart together—at work, at home, and around the griddle.