Zev Zalman “Z.Z.” Ludwick didn’t just stumble into great barbecue—he built it from a lifetime of passion. From watching cooking shows at age ten to becoming the go-to grill master at every gathering, Z.Z. learned early that great food brings people together.

When a severe fish allergy closed the door on culinary school, Z.Z. didn’t quit creating. A lifelong musician and craftsman, he opened Ludwick’s House of Violin in Silver Spring, Maryland, in 2015. After long days at the workbench, he relaxed the only way he knew how—fire, smoke, and flavor.

That’s when he discovered pit-barrel cooking: chickens suspended over live fire, self-basting as they cook to impossibly juicy perfection. Once Z.Z. dialed in his process, the reactions were immediate. One food-service veteran neighbor took a bite and said, “You have to sell this chicken.”

Thus, Pit Barrel Poultry Company was born. To make it truly unforgettable, Z.Z. created a proprietary seasoning blend designed specifically for his signature smoked chicken. After months of refinement, Z.Z.’s Smokin’ Spice emerged—a bold, crave-worthy blend now enjoyed by barbecue lovers and home chefs around the world.