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In the May 20, 2025 episode of City Cast Austin, host Nikki DaVaughn interviews Aaron Franklin, the renowned pitmaster behind Franklin Barbecue and Uptown Sports Club. They delve into Franklin’s culinary journey, his latest ventures, and the upcoming Hot Luck Festival.
Key Highlights to the interview with Aaron Franklin.
Uptown Sports Club: Franklin discusses his new East Austin establishment, Uptown Sports Club, emphasizing its role as a community gathering spot where locals can relax and enjoy quality food.
Hot Luck Festival: As a co-founder, Franklin shares insights into the festival’s origins and its unique blend of food and music. He highlights the new “Nite Moves” event, focusing on creative street food, and the return of the popular “Al Fuego” live-fire cooking showcase.
East Austin’s Evolution: Franklin reflects on the transformation of East Austin, noting the area’s growth and its impact on the local culinary scene.
Culinary Collaborations: He emphasizes the importance of collaborating with other chefs and supporting the local food community, both through his restaurants and events like Hot Luck.
Check out Franklin’s Uptown Sports Club
Uptown Sports Club is Aaron Franklin’s latest culinary venture in East Austin, blending a Texan take on Louisiana homestyle brasserie fare within a thoughtfully restored historic building. Located at 1200 E 6th St., this all-day spot offers a relaxed atmosphere where guests can enjoy great food, coffee, cocktails, and community .
Originally opened in 1949, the building served as a neighborhood hub for locals to drink, bet, and socialize. Franklin, along with a group of friends, revived the space, preserving its original charm while reimagining it for today’s East Austin. The interior features vintage elements like antique bars from Philadelphia, sports pennants, and mosaic tiles, creating a space that feels both historic and contemporary
Hot Luck Festival this weekend!
Hot Luck Festival is a vibrant four-day celebration of food and music, co-founded by James Beard Award-winning pitmaster Aaron Franklin, James Moody (owner of Mohawk), and Mike Thelin (co-founder of Feast Portland). Held annually over Memorial Day weekend in Austin, Texas, the festival brings together renowned chefs and musicians for a unique, community-driven experience.
Giddy Up (Thursday, May 22): The festival kicks off with this exclusive event at Franklin Barbecue, featuring a lineup of acclaimed chefs including Ana Castro (Acamaya), Amanda Shulman and Alex Kemp (My Loup), and Aaron Franklin himself. This event is accessible only to Whole Enchilada pass holders.
Nite Moves (Friday, May 23): Hosted at Assembly Hall, this evening event transforms into a bustling street food market. Attendees can sample inventive dishes from chefs like Tavel Bristol-Joseph (Canje), Sarah Lim (OMG Squee), and Yoshi Okai (Otoko). Tickets are priced at $195, with early access for Whole Enchilada pass holders.
Al Fuego (Saturday, May 24): Set at Jester King Brewery, this live-fire cooking event showcases over a dozen chefs demonstrating their skills over open flames. Expect smoked meats, cold beers, and a relaxed atmosphere. Tickets are $250, included in the Whole Enchilada pass.
Camp Sunnyside (Sunday, May 25): Concluding the festival at Fair Market, this brunch event offers a campfire-inspired feast with contributions from chefs like Mariela Camacho (Comadre Panaderia) and Fermín Núñez (Suerte and Este). Tickets are $195, with early access for pass holders.
For more details and ticket purchases, visit the official Hot Luck Festival website.