Grill Power: Misty Banchero AKA Seattle Butchers Wife
A conversation with the woman turning up the heat in Seattle and beyond
By: Karly ForsytheAfter wrapping up the Gundo Comedy & BBQ Festival last month, I couldn’t help but ask myself one thing: Where are the girls at?
That’s what sparked this new mini-series, Grill Power; a month-long celebration of the badass women of BBQ. Every Friday in July, I’m spotlighting a different pitmaster who’s changing the game, proving once and for all that barbecue isn’t just for the boys.
First up? The queen of meat herself, Misty Banchero, better known on social as @SeattleButchersWife.
A Love Affair with Meat
Misty’s BBQ story doesn’t start in a traditional way - no family smoker passed down, no secret rub recipe from Grandma. Instead, it started with a login.
“I set up an Instagram for our family’s USDA meat processing business, @mondoandsons,” Misty told me. “I looked up hashtags like #Meat and #BBQ and saw people out there smoking, grilling, just doing amazing things with fire. I decided I needed to learn how.”
It was the middle of COVID, and like a lot of us, she was working from home, but unlike most of us, she grabbed a used grill off Craigslist and taught herself how to barbecue in the backyard. That’s where it all began.
BBQing in a Boys' Club
When you’re a woman stepping into a space that’s historically male-dominated, there are bound to be some bumps.
“Early on, I got my share of rude comments,” she said. “Stuff like, ‘Let your husband do the cooking’ or ‘You don’t belong here.’ But honestly, I didn’t have time for the drama. I knew I’d get good at it, and fast, and that any doubts would go up in smoke.”
She credits the grilling community for showing up with a mix of tough love and open arms. And after years in corporate retail, often as the only woman in the room, she was more than ready for the challenge.
“There are always going to be those ‘good ol’ boys’ clubs,” she said. “Whether it’s in boardrooms or BBQ, I’ve learned how to navigate that. I know my path, and I stay focused on what I’m here to do.”
Advice for Aspiring Women Pitmasters
To any woman out there who wants to try grilling but feels intimidated, Misty has one message: just start.
“Everyone’s different. It might be your thing, it might not. It’s easier than you think, but also more work than you expect,” she laughed. “For me, it started as a hobby and became a passion. Now there’s no better way to spend a sunny day.”
And yes, the industry is changing.
“There are more and more women showing up on social, sharing their content, owning their space,” she said. “I love to see it. I want to help make grilling feel approachable and doable, part of your regular weeknight routine, not just some big event.”
Meat First, Always
When it comes to cooking, Misty doesn’t shy away from her roots… or her favorites.
“My signature style is always butcher-related. It’s all about the meat,” she said. “Don’t ask me to make the vegan dish. I can, but I’m always gonna start with the meats.”
Her go-to showstoppers?
Prime Tomahawk steaks, Wagyu ribeyes, brisket, pork belly burnt ends, tri-tip, picanha… the list goes on. But one cut holds a special place in her heart: the Valentine Sweetheart Ribeye.
“It’s a Prime or Wagyu ribeye that the butcher butterflies into a heart shape. Beautiful, rich, and always a hit. It’s a true Butcher’s Wife treat.”
From Backyards to Bigger Things
Today, Misty’s passion is more than a weekend hobby. She’s built a community, a platform, and a brand that’s all about inspiring women to fire things up — literally and figuratively.
When she’s not grilling, you’ll find her traveling, spending time with her butcher husband and their three kids, or dreaming up her next cook. One thing’s for sure: her fire isn’t going out any time soon.
Follow her journey (and her mouthwatering cooks) over at @SeattleButchersWife.
And be sure to check back next Friday for another Grill Power feature — same time, same place.
