Meet Jeff Heaton | BBQ pitmaster and HOF entertainer.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeff Heaton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeff, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Well being a firefighter in Arlington Texas for 10 years, taught me the ethic of never giving up. But I got injured (2 back surgeries) I had to retire. But with a family I had to do something that would support a family of 5. Now we have owned several businesses in Lake City co. A cabin resort, and several restaurants. Being a firehouse cook seemed to be the direction we should go. We have been so successful with each one because of hard work and never giving up. We serve what people want and with our big portions, if you go away hungry? It’s your fault.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
This may take awhile. I am an entertainer. I play guitar and sing. The height of my success came in 2023 when I was inducted into the. “ Colorado Country Music Hall Of Fame”. It wasn’t for a song I wrote or record sales. It was for 30+ years of doing live performances in Colorado promoting country music. Such an honor! It is based in Thorton Colorado. At a VFW hall. They are on Facebook. Here at our place in Lake City co. Chillin’. We have a venue in the back of our place. We can sit up to 150 people (no cover). We have food and an outside bar. It’s a family venue. I built a stage, there’s not a bad seat in the house. Go to Chillininc.com and check us out. We do live music every Friday night (weather permitting) from June -September. How I got here? It started in 1975 in high school. I met a music director there. Louis Harris, he saw something in me and we just hit it off. With his help I became an All State bass singer. He gave me the love of music. Because of his teachings I got a music scholarship at the. University of Texas at Arlington. That’s where I met my wife. Shari. The love of my life. After 10 years with the fire department we moved to lake City in 1990 . Where I have been playing music everywhere. In college I was a music major , vocal major. Where I learned how to sing correctly. That’s how I’m able to sing at a high level at 64 years of age. And! Just last month I released my 3rd CD. Called. “ Jeff Heaton, Chillin’ Outback” All my life I’ve been able to interpret songs and do them a different way that brings out the heart and soul of the song. People seem to like it. lol. Over the last few years I have been blessed to have opened for several country music acts. Michael Martin Murphy, Asleep At The Wheel, Johnny Lee, Patty Loveless, the Bellamy brothers, Joe Diffee, Johnny Rodrigues , Suzy Bogguss, Gary Morris, Exile, Restless Heart, Marty Haggard ( Merls son) , Jimmy Fortune, and others…. Like I said. I’m blessed.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, they have been here. The first thing would be to go and do the Alpine Loop. It is a 4 wheel drive only road that goes up and over Cinnamon Pass. And Engineer Pass. An amazing full day of beauty. Then there are the several water falls that are here. There are some great places to eat! Chillin’ BbQ (our place) , Southern Vittles, (catfish, shrimp, burgers, chicken, etc.). Then there is Climb Elevated Eatery. ( upscale). And of course our live music here at Chillin’ on Friday night! All of this in the setting of the San Juan Mountians.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife of course!! 43 years married this fall. She has backed me in everything we have done right beside me all the way. Then there’s my daughters. Katie Elkins and Melody Crump. Then there’s my inner circle , my friends. Too many to list, they know who they are.

Website: https://Chillininc.com

Instagram: Chillin inc