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.
@JAMESBRACE1
JAMES BRACE
James Brace, based in the UK, has been cooking on a Blackstone for about four years—and for him, it’s always been about more than just the food. Cooking outdoors has become a way for him to relax, reset, and create meaningful moments with others. You can catch more from James on the Blackstone UK YouTube channel with his show “Be Good, Do Good, Eat Good.”
@BLACKSTONE_BROS
AARON PRIESTLEY
For the past 13 years, Aaron Priestley has pushed the boundaries of outdoor cooking, transforming ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals. His passion is rooted in showing how a simple, versatile tool can unlock a world of diverse and delicious flavors right in the backyard. Aaron loves inspiring others to get outside, fire up the griddle, and discover just how creative outdoor cooking can be.
@HIGHERGRILLINGBBQ
RYAN RAINBOLT
Ryan is the creator behind Higher Grilling BBQ, where he combines his love of live-fire cooking, competition BBQ, and content creation with a passion for helping others grow. A self-described introvert with a competitive streak, Ryan has built his platform around great food, creativity, and community. When he’s not creating content, you’ll usually find him cooking for family, or proving that almost anything belongs on a Blackstone.
@GRILLS_NEXT_DOOR
GREG SIMONS
Greg Simons is a content creator and one half of Grills Next Door, the channel he runs with his neighbor and fellow captain, Joey. Growing up in kitchens, Greg is no stranger to cooking anything and everything. Outside of Griddle Crew, Greg lives in Tennessee with his wife, his daughter, and son. He has spent 20 + years in the restaurant industry where he currently concepts, opens, and manages restaurants, bars, and nightclubs around the country.
@MEATSTREETUSA
SHANE JACOBS
"Big Shane" hails from New York and is a proud husband and father of 3 kids. He is constantly trying to create new and exciting dishes whether it's on the griddle, smoker, or over live fire. Shane took his love for cooking to social media which started "Meat Street" where he loves to share recipes, bbq tips & tricks, and ideas.
@BLACKSTONE_BROS
STEVEN PRIESTLEY
Since 2012, Steven Priestley and his brother, Aaron, have shared a passion for cooking on Blackstone griddles. From steaks and lamb to stir-fries, burgers, and tacos, Steven loves bringing family, friends, and great flavor together around the griddle. For Steven, it’s about more than just the food—it’s about creating great meals, sharing them with the people he loves, and enjoying the moments that happen around the griddle.
@GRILLS_NEXT_DOOR
JOEY ROTELLA
Joey Rotella is a content creator and one half of Grills Next Door, the channel he runs with his neighbor and fellow captain, Greg. Outside of Griddle Crew, Joey lives in Tennessee with his wife and their two boys. He has spent almost 20 years working in the music industry, and also creates and edits content for other creators, including some of Blackstone’s YouTube and socials content.
@BLACKSTONE_COWBOY
THOMAS WHITTEN
Thomas Whitten grew up in Huntsville, AL, and now resides in Nashville, TN, with his wife and three daughters. A passionate cook, Thomas loves stepping outside his comfort zone and creating new and exciting dishes on the griddle. He enjoys experimenting with different flavors and techniques, always looking for the next dish that will challenge him and bring something new to the table.
@WHATSTHESIZZLE
ANDY WILSON
Andy Wilson is a Blackstone Social Influencer who loves cooking, sharing recipes, and bringing people together through great food. He also helps lead the largest Blackstone Facebook group in the world. Away from the griddle, Andy is married to his wife, Danae, and they have three boys who have become some of his best—and most honest—food critics.