Based in Lakeland, Florida, The Cultivated Pig serves real wood-smoked barbecue at farmers markets, pop-ups, festivals, and private events throughout Central Florida.
QUALITY MEATS · LIVE-FIRE COOKING
Our Story
The Cultivated Pig was founded by lifelong friends Kevin Aydelott and Jimmy Fox around a shared belief: truly great barbecue takes patience, skill, quality ingredients, and a genuine love of bringing people together.
Kevin and Jimmy met at church in 1998 after growing up in different West Texas towns. Their lives eventually took them in different professional directions, but their friendship—and their appreciation for food served with purpose—remained.
Two friends. One shared calling.
Kevin pursued culinary training and built his career as a professional chef, including experience with Four Seasons properties in Texas and Florida. Jimmy built a career in technology and entrepreneurship.
During the pandemic, Kevin finally had the opportunity to pursue the business he had imagined for years. He called his longtime friend Jimmy, and together they created The Cultivated Pig.
What began as a passion for live-fire cooking grew through pop-ups, farmers markets, festivals, catering events, and The Cultivated Pig's restaurant residency at Catapult in Lakeland.
Barbecue worth waiting for.
Every cut is selected with care, seasoned by hand, and slowly cooked over quality hardwood. From USDA Prime brisket and spare ribs to smoked pork belly and pulled pork, every plate reflects the time and attention that real barbecue requires.
This is food made around the fire, meant to be enjoyed together.
- Quality meats
- Live-fire cooking
- Time-honored smoking techniques
- House-made seasonings and sauces
- Texas-inspired barbecue
- Based in Lakeland, Florida
From our fire to your table.
Today, The Cultivated Pig serves the community through farmers markets, festivals, private events, catering, and packaged products made to bring the flavor home.
Whether you meet us at the smoker or open a bottle in your own kitchen, you are part of the story.
