Faces of Elkin: Pat Fessenden, Head Chef of Royall's BBQ & Grill

Explore Elkin
Nov 3
3 min read

"A kitchen is my joy. Not many people get their joy in life. I am very blessed to have found mine."

For Pat Fessenden, food has always been a way to celebrate, connect, and care for people. As the Kitchen Manager and Head Chef at Royall's BBQ & Grill, she's at the heart of one of Elkin's most beloved restaurants, cooking up comfort classics, smoky favorites, and innovative dishes that keep locals and visitors coming back for more.

Pat Fessenden, Head Chef at Royall's BBQ & Grill, Elkin, NC

From a Childhood Cookbook to a Career in the Kitchen

Pat's love for cooking began early, long before she ever worked in a restaurant. Her mother, a talented home cook raising five kids, taught her the art of homemade meals made with heart (and often, on a budget). Her father, who once worked as both a butcher and a baker in New York, added his own lessons along the way.

By the time she received her first cookbook at five years old, one she still keeps to this day, Pat was already hooked. What started as curiosity turned into a calling. Over the years, she’s explored flavors from around the world, drawing inspiration from Korean, Mediterranean, and Latin cuisines, always eager to introduce new tastes to her guests.

“There’s a whole world of flavor out there,” she says. “I love playing with it and sharing it.”

At the Heart of Royall's BBQ & Grill

When Royall’s BBQ & Grill opened its doors in December 2024, Pat was there from the very beginning, helping shape the menu and the welcoming spirit that quickly made it a local favorite.

Known for its barbecue, burgers, smoked wings, and classic Southern sides, Royall’s combines small-town charm with bold flavor. Pat’s favorites? The burgers, especially the Stone Mountain Smash, and her personal creation, Pat’s Way Smoked Wings, which regulars have learned to ask for by name.

She’s also the mind behind BarbeQueshi, a one-of-a-kind dish that merges Southern barbecue with Korean influence. Smoked meat, homemade sauce, and a touch of kimchi come together for a playful twist that perfectly reflects her adventurous approach to food. Elkin has certainly taken a liking to her original and creative dishes.

Serving Up Connection

Pat’s passion goes far beyond cooking. For Pat, it’s about the people. Working in a small town allows her to know her guests by name, swap stories, and step out of the kitchen to say hello. She loves the open window design at Royall’s, which gives her a chance to connect directly with the community she serves.

“Being able to give visitors a small-town hug away from their big city living has been great,” she says."Being able to give visitors a small-town hug away from their big city living has been great," she says.

Her warmth and humor have made her a happy and familiar face in Elkin, whether she's greeting customers, chatting at the dog park, or catching a show at the Reeves Theater.

Life Outside the Kitchen

Even after a full day of cooking at Royall’s, Pat often heads home and cooks some more with some music on, a new recipe in mind, and her dog by her side. She enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and she’s a regular at some of Elkin’s favorite local hangouts like The Railyard, Prime Thai, and The Poplar. She laughs that the dogs at the park “seem to really like the lady that smells like smoked meat.”

A Recipe for Joy

For Pat, food has always been her way of giving back: a way to care, to comfort, and to celebrate the people around her. Every plate tells a story, stitched together with family tradition, creativity, and community pride.