Meet TJ Ellington | Bigg Buttz BBQ; Owner and Pitmaster

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

Hi TJ, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
The values that matter most to me are perseverance, community, and authenticity. Perseverance is critical because my journey — from serving in the Air Force to working multiple jobs, including over a decade with the USPS, and now running Bigg Buttz BBQ full-time — has shown me that persistence and dedication can turn dreams into reality. Community is equally important; I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact my business has on the local community, from catering events to inspiring younger generations. Lastly, authenticity is a principle I live by, evident in the unique flavors and homemade sauces of Bigg Buttz BBQ. These elements not only define my business but also reflect my commitment to providing genuine and heartfelt experiences through food.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am the proud owner and pit master of Bigg Buttz BBQ, a business that I run full-time with dedication and passion. What sets us apart from others is our commitment to authenticity and quality. We specialize in homemade sauces and unique recipes, including family-inspired dishes that allow me to keep them close to heart, and honor their memory.
One of the things I am most proud of is the overwhelmingly positive response from our community in Greeley and beyond. It’s exhilarating to see how our food brings people together and creates lasting memories. Our participation in catering local events and festivals also brings a sense of pride and fulfillment.
Reaching this point professionally has been far from easy. The journey started with me dreaming big while serving in the Air Force and later working with the USPS. The turning point came when a friend encouraged me to focus on my true passion — barbecue. From there, it was a relentless uphill climb involving countless hours of perfecting recipes, building a brand, and gaining the community’s trust.
One of the biggest challenges was making the courageous decision to leave my stable USPS job and pursue Bigg Buttz BBQ full-time. Overcoming this hurdle was possible due to the unwavering support of my family and the strong belief in my vision. Learning to navigate the complexities of running a business while staying true to my values has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community connections.
What I want the world to know about Bigg Buttz BBQ is that we are more than just a BBQ joint; we are a storytelling platform through food. Each dish carries a piece of my family’s history and my dedication to authentic, quality barbecue. Our brand is built on perseverance, authenticity, and community support, and we are committed to bringing joy and unique flavors to each customer’s experience.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In Greeley, our food adventure would include (a lot of) Bigg Buttz BBQ, breakfast at Butters, and coffee at The Blue Mug Coffee Bar. We’d definitely check out the local food trucks, hit up Friday Fest and catch a performance at The Moxi Theater.
In Loveland, we’d go to the farmer’s market, check out the Benson Sculpture Garden and Chapungu Sculpture Park then head to The Laureate Publick House and/ot Loveland Aleworks.
In Fort Collins, there’s tubing on the Cache La Poudre River, the New Belgium brewery tour and great food like The Mayor of Old Town.
In Estes Park, we’d have to start our day with breakfast at The Egg of Estes. Afterward, there’s hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park and exploring trails like Bear Lake Trail and Alberta Falls. For dinner, Big Horn would be a great place to end the day.
In Denver, a perfect day would include breakfast at Snooze, taking in. Rockies Game followed by a meal at El Five!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to several key influences who have been instrumental in my journey. First and foremost, I want to recognize my dad, whose passion for barbecue ignited my own love for cooking. Growing up, watching him create incredible dishes from scratch inspired me to pursue my culinary dreams.
Additionally, I owe a lot to my friend who encouraged me to turn my passion into a business. That simple suggestion to “just make barbecue” was a pivotal moment that set me on this path.
My mom and grandmother were also instrumental in sharing their love of cooking. My mom is the inspiration behind “Mom’s Greens,” and my grandmother inspired the “Grandma’s Bac’n Mac ‘n’ Cheese.” Their recipes and dedication to great food have left a lasting impact on me.
I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to my family for their unwavering support, especially as I’ve taken the leap to run Bigg Buttz BBQ full-time.
Lastly, I must acknowledge my amazing staff and my son, whose camaraderie and hard work have been crucial in making this business a success. Each of these individuals has played a crucial role in my success, and I am profoundly grateful for their support.

Website: https://biggbuttzbbq.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/biggbuttzbbq

Facebook: https://facebookc.com/biggbuttzbbq

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bigg-buttz-bbq-greeley

Image Credits
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