Acclaimed Pitmaster Joins Chef Gourdet in Portland

James Beard winner Gregory Gourdet partners with barbecue expert Bryan Furman for new restaurant venture.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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James Beard Award-winning chef Gregory Gourdet has brought acclaimed barbecue pitmaster Bryan Furman to Portland, Oregon to collaborate on a new restaurant venture. Gourdet, known for his acclaimed restaurant Kann, has teamed up with Furman, a respected barbecue expert, to bring their culinary talents together in the Pacific Northwest.

Why it matters

This partnership between a renowned chef and a celebrated pitmaster is an exciting development for Portland's vibrant food scene, blending high-end cuisine with the art of authentic barbecue. It showcases the city's growing reputation as a culinary destination and the continued evolution of its restaurant landscape.

The details

Gourdet, who won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific in 2021, has brought Furman, a Georgia native known for his acclaimed B's Cracklin' Barbecue restaurants, to collaborate on a new venture in Portland. The two chefs will combine their expertise to offer a unique dining experience that fuses Gourdet's fine dining approach with Furman's mastery of low-and-slow barbecue techniques.

  • The partnership between Gourdet and Furman was announced in February 2026.

The players

Gregory Gourdet

A James Beard Award-winning chef known for his acclaimed restaurant Kann in Portland, Oregon.

Bryan Furman

A celebrated barbecue pitmaster from Georgia, known for his acclaimed B's Cracklin' Barbecue restaurants.

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What they’re saying

“I'm thrilled to be partnering with Bryan and bringing his exceptional barbecue expertise to Portland. Together, we'll create a truly unique dining experience that celebrates the art of slow-smoked meats and high-end cuisine.”

— Gregory Gourdet, Chef (kptv.com)

What’s next

The new restaurant venture from Gourdet and Furman is expected to open in the summer of 2026.

The takeaway

This collaboration between a renowned chef and a celebrated pitmaster promises to elevate Portland's already impressive food scene, blending the best of fine dining and authentic barbecue for a truly unique culinary experience.