Mitchell's frequent media appearances and advocacy for the use of heritage breed pork has earned him the title of the most "famous pitmaster" in North Carolina.

Instead, his grandfather grabbed the bottle of moonshine and gave Mitchell a glass to celebrate - it was his first alcoholic beverage and his first time barbecuing.

Mitchell uses traditional techniques for his barbecue, including using oak and hickory logs, in addition to charcoal briquettes.

"[6] For example, to prepare a pulled pork sandwich, Mitchell will smoke a whole hog, believing that a proper pulled pork sandwich requires a blend of shoulder, ham, and belly meat.

[7] In 2004, the business closed after Mitchell was accused of failing to pay state taxes for the store.

[2][8] Mitchell said the space did not enable him to barbecue more than one hog a day, which did not provide him the opportunity to maximize restaurant and catering sales.

[4] In 2020, Mitchell created three barbecue sauces for True Made Foods.