Michael Letchworth

Michael was born and raised in Eastern North Carolina, coming from a family with limited involvement in outdoor activities aside from camping in a travel trailer during his early teenage years. Although outdoor pursuits were not central to his upbringing, he became acquainted with hunting and fishing through his friends and their families. His formative years were spent engaged in golf and action sports.

Michael holds a degree in Construction Management from East Carolina University, though his tenure in that industry lasted only five years. He then transitioned his high school and college job at a renowned local barbecue restaurant into his primary career.

In 2015, Michael partnered with his longtime friend Sam Jones to establish Sam Jones BBQ, expanding beyond the Jones family’s original restaurant, Skylight Inn. Today, Sam Jones BBQ boasts locations in Winterville and Raleigh, NC, as well as Sam Jones BBQ Retail, which produces sauces, seasonings, and apparel for their establishments and others. The restaurant is recognized nationally as one of the foremost barbeque establishments and has recently been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand.

Michael is known for his openness and willingness to assist others interested in the restaurant industry and broader business practices. He is deeply committed to leadership and community engagement.

Since beginning his journey in barbecue in 2003, Michael has devoted much of the past twelve years to traveling across the country, participating in festivals, events, and demonstrations that showcase the long-standing Eastern North Carolina Whole Hog BBQ traditions associated with the Jones family.

The relationships cultivated through these experiences have allowed Michael to pursue lifelong interests and achieve personal and shared goals with Larken in outdoor endeavors.

Food and the outdoors are powerful conduits for building community and fostering meaningful relationships—two passions that drive Michael’s professional and personal life.