American immigrant: Pit Master

It's 11:00 AM and Francisco, a.k.a. "Frank The Tank", is just finishing his night shift as Pit Master at the famous La Barbecue in Austin, Texas. Frank loves his work and especially prides himself on his award-winning sausage recipes. He's 30 years old, originally from Leon in Guanajauto, Mexico, and has been living in the United States for over 16 years. He and his wife have 4 children, all boys. He hopes they can try for a girl one day. His second oldest child has Autism. Every afternoon, after he has finished his overnight shift, he takes his son to speech therapy. Frank feels extremely grateful to live in the U.S. because of the much needed care and support that his son receives.

*Produced in part with the Magnum Photos workshop series, under mentorship of Photographer Matt Black, and the University of Texas at Austin.

AUSTIN, Texas. (May 14, 2016) 

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Francisco, Pit Master, Immigrant. La Barbecue, 14 May 2016, Austin, TX.
The overnight shift duties and its hours are grueling. But Frank is happy to do it because it means he gets to spend the afternoons with his kids. La Barbecue, 14 May 2016, Austin, TX.
Francisco readies to stoke the smoker's fire. La Barbecue, 14 May 2016, Austin, TX.
Francisco discusses the morning's shift switch plans with his co-workers. La Barbecue, 14 May 2016, Austin, TX.
He can't remember where he got it. It holds no special story. He just feels that it's important to wear it every day. Francisco, La Barbecue, 14 May 2016, Austin, TX.
Francisco takes a break from the heat. La Barbecue, 14 May 2016, Austin, TX.