Learn something from everyone you meet. You will never know everything!”

Mark Hittle, owner, WoodBarn BBQ

In many parts of the country, barbecue is a serious matter, and the Southwest is no exception.

Cities and towns across the country compete over whose barbecue is the best. The most well-known are the Chicago, St. Louis and Texas varieties. But there are plenty of great barbecue joints in the Valley as well, including WoodBarn BBQ in Queen Creek.

Owner Mark Hittle opened WoodBarn BBQ in April 2020 at 23670 S. Power Road, Suite 101. Along with running a restaurant, WoodBarn BBQ offers catering and has a food truck.

WoodBarn BBQ prides itself on serving brisket, pork, sausage and turkey. Occasionally, Hittle likes to slow smoke prime rib, corned beef and many other meats.

While WoodBarn BBQ may still be a relatively new restaurant, Hittle is no stranger to the food industry. He has helped open 10 restaurants and developed five dining concepts.

He’s also no stranger to Queen Creek. He was born and raised on an Iowa farm but has spent his summers in Queen Creek since 1975.

What he loves about Queen Creek is the small-town farming atmosphere. He also appreciates that town officials promote shopping local and support family owned businesses. 

Learn more about Hittle and WoodBarn BBQ:

Name: Mark Hittle

Business Name: (If applicable): WoodBarn BBQ

Town/neighborhood: Queen Creek

When and why I moved here:  Opened April 2020. Came to the area for the neighborhood/farm community.

What I like most about living here: The corn fields and cows.

 What I do: I make delicious BBQ items

 Personal background highlights: Farm boy from Iowa, raised our family in the East Valley.

 Professional background highlights: Have opened many restaurant concepts all over the Valley.

 What I like most about what I do: Meet new QC neighbors daily and working with my family.

 What does being nominated for this category mean to you? It's an honor. We’re just here trying to do our best.

 What does it mean to be a Queen Creek resident? A great place for small business, The people are so genuine.

 What do you think you bring to the local community that makes it better?  Our family owned and operated business.

 What would you tell people about why it's important to make a difference in Queen Creek? Changes I'd like to see in this area:  QC is a fast-growing town which has done an amazing job at keeping the "rural" feel, where small businesses can succeed.

 Favorite community cause & why: There are so many. It’s amazing how much everyone wants to help.

 My family: In the restaurant - My wife, Cris, my son, Skylar, and my daughter, Jessica. The rest of our family - Wesley, John, Jennifer, and Cindel.

 My interests and hobbies: Hiking - I love to go to San Tan, Superstitions, Grand Canyon, etc., to hike.

The trait(s) I admire in others: Committed, Honest, Accountable

People who inspired me (and how): Bob Sikora. He is the best restauranteur in the Valley. I was fortunate to work with him for over 12 years.

 My guiding philosophy: To think is to create.

 My advice to today’s youth: Learn something from everyone you meet. You will never know everything!