BiCoastal BBQ
Backdraft BBQ NC
Zebulon, NC
Garrett Strickland, Pitmaster
Backdraft BBQ is out of Zebulon NC. My name is Garrett Strickland 26 years old and I am the Chief Pitmaster of Backdraft BBQ. I developed an interest in cooking when I was very young and that interest has developed into something much more. I started competing in competitions 4 years ago. I enjoy cooking and competing in competitions in my free time. Backdraft BBQ’s name came from Pitmaster Garrett being a full time firefighter having a passion for both helping others and cooking great food. Backdraft BBQ also caters and coming later this year will have a BBQ food truck serving BBQ and other southern foods. Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/backdraftbbqllc/
Zebulon, NC
Garrett Strickland, Pitmaster
Backdraft BBQ is out of Zebulon NC. My name is Garrett Strickland 26 years old and I am the Chief Pitmaster of Backdraft BBQ. I developed an interest in cooking when I was very young and that interest has developed into something much more. I started competing in competitions 4 years ago. I enjoy cooking and competing in competitions in my free time. Backdraft BBQ’s name came from Pitmaster Garrett being a full time firefighter having a passion for both helping others and cooking great food. Backdraft BBQ also caters and coming later this year will have a BBQ food truck serving BBQ and other southern foods. Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/backdraftbbqllc/
Big Boys Que
Fayetteville, NC
James Pierro, Pitmaster
Big Boys Que is the vision of our founder James Pierro. He has a passion for cooking and watching people eat with a smile. It started in back yards, cooking for friends and family and now we have started entering competitions and cooking contests. We entered 2 non KCBS comps, Buck’s Backyard where we placed 3rd overall out of 24 teams and Jimbo’s Backyard where we placed 4th overall out of 36 teams. We specialize in ribs and brisket and look forward to taking this to new adventures while making lifelong friends along the way. Team members are Gary Mieczkowski and Tim Lee and also would not be complete without the support of Amanda and Shayna Pierro as well. It is our 1st time competing in a sanctioned KCBS competition and we look forward to seeing everyone there.
Fayetteville, NC
James Pierro, Pitmaster
Big Boys Que is the vision of our founder James Pierro. He has a passion for cooking and watching people eat with a smile. It started in back yards, cooking for friends and family and now we have started entering competitions and cooking contests. We entered 2 non KCBS comps, Buck’s Backyard where we placed 3rd overall out of 24 teams and Jimbo’s Backyard where we placed 4th overall out of 36 teams. We specialize in ribs and brisket and look forward to taking this to new adventures while making lifelong friends along the way. Team members are Gary Mieczkowski and Tim Lee and also would not be complete without the support of Amanda and Shayna Pierro as well. It is our 1st time competing in a sanctioned KCBS competition and we look forward to seeing everyone there.
Big Dog BBQ VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Theresa Bell, Pitmaster
Big Dog BBQ VA is from Virginia Beach, VA. We are beginning our 6th year of competition. We got into BBQ competitions because of Pitmasters season one! Team members are pitmaster Theresa Bell and team mate and spouse Larry Bell. We have a mobile catering business. This will be our first time competing at Kings of Q and we are very excited! Our name Big Dog BBQ is a nod to Hank our big black Labrador Retriever. Take a look at our logo and you’ll see him! There is no better family than the BBQ family!
Virginia Beach, VA
Theresa Bell, Pitmaster
Big Dog BBQ VA is from Virginia Beach, VA. We are beginning our 6th year of competition. We got into BBQ competitions because of Pitmasters season one! Team members are pitmaster Theresa Bell and team mate and spouse Larry Bell. We have a mobile catering business. This will be our first time competing at Kings of Q and we are very excited! Our name Big Dog BBQ is a nod to Hank our big black Labrador Retriever. Take a look at our logo and you’ll see him! There is no better family than the BBQ family!
Blacks BBQ Co.
Goldsboro, NC
Dillon Black, Pitmaster
Goldsboro, NC
Dillon Black, Pitmaster
Bud Wiser’s BBQ
Fayetteville, NC
Brian Penrod, Pitmaster
We are a Husband and wife team in our third year of competition. Our adventure into competitive BBQ began right after Brian retired from the Army. We try to enter one contest per month depending on our schedule at home. Additionally, we took the KCBS judging class late last year and we are KCBS Certified BBQ judges. Competing and Judging in the KCBS events has been a great experience for us. We have met some great people and really enjoy competing. Our goal is to not only cook the best we can but also to have a great time at each event! We look forward to meeting the great people of Ayden NC at this year’s event!!!
Fayetteville, NC
Brian Penrod, Pitmaster
We are a Husband and wife team in our third year of competition. Our adventure into competitive BBQ began right after Brian retired from the Army. We try to enter one contest per month depending on our schedule at home. Additionally, we took the KCBS judging class late last year and we are KCBS Certified BBQ judges. Competing and Judging in the KCBS events has been a great experience for us. We have met some great people and really enjoy competing. Our goal is to not only cook the best we can but also to have a great time at each event! We look forward to meeting the great people of Ayden NC at this year’s event!!!
Carolina Smoke
Tarboro, NC
Randy Beaman, Pitmaster
I have lived down east (Tarboro) for the past 35 years and been competing in KCBS events since 2014. There are three of us on the cook team. We enjoy visiting the communities that we compete in and meeting local folks. Of course, we enjoy seeing all the pitmasters at each event. We look very much forward to being in Ayden, close to home for us and great local BBQ; best in the state.
Tarboro, NC
Randy Beaman, Pitmaster
I have lived down east (Tarboro) for the past 35 years and been competing in KCBS events since 2014. There are three of us on the cook team. We enjoy visiting the communities that we compete in and meeting local folks. Of course, we enjoy seeing all the pitmasters at each event. We look very much forward to being in Ayden, close to home for us and great local BBQ; best in the state.
Coastal Smoke BBQ
Wilmington, NC
Jim and Amanda Reed, Pitmasters
Coastal Smoke BBQ is a husband and wife team that started competing in 2013. We go to a few competitions each year and really enjoy meeting new people and the hospitality of the towns we visit. Both of us have worked on our recipes and cooking processes tirelessly; at the competitions, though you will primarily see Amanda with the apron on – and she loves it! We really enjoy practicing throughout the year and our friends and family enjoy eating our practice food as well. Our love of cooking and BBQ has led Amanda to developing our own sauces as well – over the last year, she has worked on getting all of the necessary certifications and approval to produce and sell Coastal Smoke BBQ sauces. Make sure you stop over and try a sample – she’s very proud of it.
Wilmington, NC
Jim and Amanda Reed, Pitmasters
Coastal Smoke BBQ is a husband and wife team that started competing in 2013. We go to a few competitions each year and really enjoy meeting new people and the hospitality of the towns we visit. Both of us have worked on our recipes and cooking processes tirelessly; at the competitions, though you will primarily see Amanda with the apron on – and she loves it! We really enjoy practicing throughout the year and our friends and family enjoy eating our practice food as well. Our love of cooking and BBQ has led Amanda to developing our own sauces as well – over the last year, she has worked on getting all of the necessary certifications and approval to produce and sell Coastal Smoke BBQ sauces. Make sure you stop over and try a sample – she’s very proud of it.
Dig on Swine BBQ
Wake Forest, NC
William Neu, Pitmaster
‘Dig On Swine’ BBQ cook team is from Wake Forest, NC and we are in our fourth year of competition. Team members are Bill Neu, Mark Schaffer, Dean Mellanson and Mike York. The name “Dig On Swine” comes from our love of BBQ and the movie “Pulp Fiction’. We enjoy meeting new friends and the camaraderie of KCBS competitions. This is our first time competing in Ayden and we’re very excited to be a part of King of Q!
Wake Forest, NC
William Neu, Pitmaster
‘Dig On Swine’ BBQ cook team is from Wake Forest, NC and we are in our fourth year of competition. Team members are Bill Neu, Mark Schaffer, Dean Mellanson and Mike York. The name “Dig On Swine” comes from our love of BBQ and the movie “Pulp Fiction’. We enjoy meeting new friends and the camaraderie of KCBS competitions. This is our first time competing in Ayden and we’re very excited to be a part of King of Q!
Fatheads BBQ
Albemarle, NC
Brad Hamilton, Pitmaster
Albemarle, NC
Brad Hamilton, Pitmaster
Firehouse Bar-B-Que
Henrico, VA
Gordon Taylor, Pitmaster
Firehouse Bar-B-Que is from the Richmond VA area and in our 5th year of competition. Team members are pitmaster Gordon Taylor, Lori Taylor and a handful of dedicated BBQ lovin’ friends. Randy Jackson will be with us at Ayden. The name “Firehouse” comes from Gordon’s previous profession as EMS and spending many a nights at a Firehouse Station. FH-BBQ is a mobile food business and we also own a restaurant Smoke Pit Grill. We enjoy meeting new friends and the comradery of KCBS competitions. We are so glad to be back in Ayden as a part of King of Q!
Henrico, VA
Gordon Taylor, Pitmaster
Firehouse Bar-B-Que is from the Richmond VA area and in our 5th year of competition. Team members are pitmaster Gordon Taylor, Lori Taylor and a handful of dedicated BBQ lovin’ friends. Randy Jackson will be with us at Ayden. The name “Firehouse” comes from Gordon’s previous profession as EMS and spending many a nights at a Firehouse Station. FH-BBQ is a mobile food business and we also own a restaurant Smoke Pit Grill. We enjoy meeting new friends and the comradery of KCBS competitions. We are so glad to be back in Ayden as a part of King of Q!
Gettin' Basted
Branson, MO
Brad Leighninger, Pitmaster
Gettin’ Basted from Branson, Missouri. Brad Leighninger Pitmaster.
Started cooking in 2012 and have 2 restaurants in Branson - Gettin’ Basted and Downing Street Pour House.
70 combined Grand and Reserve Grand Championships | Over 100 KCBS category wins | 2018 KCBS Team of the year- overall, pork and brisket | 2017 KCBS Team of the Year - Pork | 2015 KCBS Team of the Year - Chicken | 2018 Jack Daniels World Invitational BBQ Champion - Pork | 2018 Smithfield King of the Smoker Champion | Guy’s Grocery Games Bacon Champion.
Molly’s Dad.
Prettier than Luke.
Branson, MO
Brad Leighninger, Pitmaster
Gettin’ Basted from Branson, Missouri. Brad Leighninger Pitmaster.
Started cooking in 2012 and have 2 restaurants in Branson - Gettin’ Basted and Downing Street Pour House.
70 combined Grand and Reserve Grand Championships | Over 100 KCBS category wins | 2018 KCBS Team of the year- overall, pork and brisket | 2017 KCBS Team of the Year - Pork | 2015 KCBS Team of the Year - Chicken | 2018 Jack Daniels World Invitational BBQ Champion - Pork | 2018 Smithfield King of the Smoker Champion | Guy’s Grocery Games Bacon Champion.
Molly’s Dad.
Prettier than Luke.
Grate Smoke
Chesapeake, VA
Rick Flora, Pitmaster
Team members are Rick and Catherine Flora. We were the Mid-Atlantic Barbecue Association (MABA) Rookie Team-of the-Year in 2016 and have achieved moderate success each year. We love competing in Eastern North Carolina events and consider ourselves ENC adjacent because we live only 20 minutes from Currituck, NC. We are one of the few #Thickcut teams in competition BBQ. There is nothing like competition BBQ and the friends you make along the way!!
Chesapeake, VA
Rick Flora, Pitmaster
Team members are Rick and Catherine Flora. We were the Mid-Atlantic Barbecue Association (MABA) Rookie Team-of the-Year in 2016 and have achieved moderate success each year. We love competing in Eastern North Carolina events and consider ourselves ENC adjacent because we live only 20 minutes from Currituck, NC. We are one of the few #Thickcut teams in competition BBQ. There is nothing like competition BBQ and the friends you make along the way!!
Great White BBQ
Knotts Island, NC
Tommy Harrell, Pitmaster
Great White BBQ out of Knotts Island, NC in Currituck County was a husband and wife team when we first started in 2014 (Pitmaster) Tommy and (the boss) Amanda Harrell. Today we are a family team that includes my sister Cathy and brother in law Robb. We are out having fun and doing the best that we can in the process. We consider ourselves somewhat as a NASCAR field, we are the field filler looking to upset the top dogs. We are lucky to compete in 5 to 7 comps a season due to my Firefighter schedule as I am Career Federal FireFighter at Norfolk Naval Station. We’ve done well at times and then scratching heads others. Thanks to our 2019 sponsors Swamp Boys BBQ sauces and seasonings, Vaughn Wood Products, Stubbs BBQ, Cahas Mountain Charcoal, Creekstone Farms, Smokey Dave’s BBQ (Roxboro, NC), and Swimmin’ In Smoke rubs. https://www.facebook.com/GreatWhiteBBQTeam/
Knotts Island, NC
Tommy Harrell, Pitmaster
Great White BBQ out of Knotts Island, NC in Currituck County was a husband and wife team when we first started in 2014 (Pitmaster) Tommy and (the boss) Amanda Harrell. Today we are a family team that includes my sister Cathy and brother in law Robb. We are out having fun and doing the best that we can in the process. We consider ourselves somewhat as a NASCAR field, we are the field filler looking to upset the top dogs. We are lucky to compete in 5 to 7 comps a season due to my Firefighter schedule as I am Career Federal FireFighter at Norfolk Naval Station. We’ve done well at times and then scratching heads others. Thanks to our 2019 sponsors Swamp Boys BBQ sauces and seasonings, Vaughn Wood Products, Stubbs BBQ, Cahas Mountain Charcoal, Creekstone Farms, Smokey Dave’s BBQ (Roxboro, NC), and Swimmin’ In Smoke rubs. https://www.facebook.com/GreatWhiteBBQTeam/
Grillin’ Thyme
Winterville, NC
Mark Davies, Pitmaster
Grillin’ Thyme is a “local” team, hailing all the way from 5 minutes down the road in the metropolis of Winterville, NC. Our team is made up of Pitmasters Mark Davies and Robbie Johnson and on occasions my wife Cathy and our daughter, Meredith. We began competing on the professional BBQ circuit in 2014 and have earned awards in all meat categories along the way. In fact we are only 1 of just a few select #thickcut teams in competition BBQ today. We are two time People’s Choice Champions here at the Kings of Q BBQ competition and this year we are looking to make it three time champs. Last year we had a little hiccup, but we will be coming strong this May in Ayden! #ENCBBQ #1
Winterville, NC
Mark Davies, Pitmaster
Grillin’ Thyme is a “local” team, hailing all the way from 5 minutes down the road in the metropolis of Winterville, NC. Our team is made up of Pitmasters Mark Davies and Robbie Johnson and on occasions my wife Cathy and our daughter, Meredith. We began competing on the professional BBQ circuit in 2014 and have earned awards in all meat categories along the way. In fact we are only 1 of just a few select #thickcut teams in competition BBQ today. We are two time People’s Choice Champions here at the Kings of Q BBQ competition and this year we are looking to make it three time champs. Last year we had a little hiccup, but we will be coming strong this May in Ayden! #ENCBBQ #1
Holy Smoke BBQ-NC
Ayden, NC
Billy Merrill and Robert Merrill, Pitmasters
Team “Holy Smoke BBQ-NC” is the hometown team at the “Kings of Q” BBQ Cook-off and Festival comprised of Head Cook Billy Merrill and son, Robert Merrill of Ayden, Jim Burrell of Smithfield, and (infrequently) Gordon Hubbell of Lincolnton, North Carolina. The team "congealed" about five years ago among friends on the Pelletheads.com online forum, cooking only three or four contests annually but has expanded in cooking frequency, barbeque education, and dedicated cooking equipment. Holy Smoke now participates in ten to twelve contests per year primarily in the Carolinas. Although they have yet to make Grand Champion or Reserve Grand Champion in a contest (made it to 3rd), they've taken a lot of "walks" for 2nd through 10th place in the categories and won "Anything Butt" (the fun non-KCBS Friday night category) for some fabulous flaming dessert (Bananas Foster) and “People’s Choice” pork where the public votes for their favorite. They consider themselves serious competitors, but also compete for the sheer joy of mingling with all the great folks "on the circuit"; and judges, too (Billy is certified and Gordon is a Master Judge and Ph.B./"Doctor of Barbeque"). Often, they are joined by newer KCBS judges who spend the weekend cooking with them to learn the ropes about how the food is prepared in order to ultimately qualify to become Master Judges. Billy has competed on the national level in the American Royal World Series of Barbecue, in Kansas City, Missouri, and in the prestigious Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue in Lynchburg, TN.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolySmokeBBQ.NC/
Ayden, NC
Billy Merrill and Robert Merrill, Pitmasters
Team “Holy Smoke BBQ-NC” is the hometown team at the “Kings of Q” BBQ Cook-off and Festival comprised of Head Cook Billy Merrill and son, Robert Merrill of Ayden, Jim Burrell of Smithfield, and (infrequently) Gordon Hubbell of Lincolnton, North Carolina. The team "congealed" about five years ago among friends on the Pelletheads.com online forum, cooking only three or four contests annually but has expanded in cooking frequency, barbeque education, and dedicated cooking equipment. Holy Smoke now participates in ten to twelve contests per year primarily in the Carolinas. Although they have yet to make Grand Champion or Reserve Grand Champion in a contest (made it to 3rd), they've taken a lot of "walks" for 2nd through 10th place in the categories and won "Anything Butt" (the fun non-KCBS Friday night category) for some fabulous flaming dessert (Bananas Foster) and “People’s Choice” pork where the public votes for their favorite. They consider themselves serious competitors, but also compete for the sheer joy of mingling with all the great folks "on the circuit"; and judges, too (Billy is certified and Gordon is a Master Judge and Ph.B./"Doctor of Barbeque"). Often, they are joined by newer KCBS judges who spend the weekend cooking with them to learn the ropes about how the food is prepared in order to ultimately qualify to become Master Judges. Billy has competed on the national level in the American Royal World Series of Barbecue, in Kansas City, Missouri, and in the prestigious Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue in Lynchburg, TN.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolySmokeBBQ.NC/
House of Smoke
Kannapolis, NC
Judith Fink, Pitmaster
We began competing in BBQ in the fall of 2016 and usually do 12 to 15 competitions a year. Our team is made up Ree, head cook, Jamie Box, runner and fire starter. Carly(10) Competes in Kids Q and Anything goes categories. Kenzie(9) and competes in Kids Q and Dessert contest and of course, our fur kid, Smokey.
We are proudly sponsored by Royal Oak Charcoal and Sweet Smoke Q.
Kannapolis, NC
Judith Fink, Pitmaster
We began competing in BBQ in the fall of 2016 and usually do 12 to 15 competitions a year. Our team is made up Ree, head cook, Jamie Box, runner and fire starter. Carly(10) Competes in Kids Q and Anything goes categories. Kenzie(9) and competes in Kids Q and Dessert contest and of course, our fur kid, Smokey.
We are proudly sponsored by Royal Oak Charcoal and Sweet Smoke Q.
Little Creek Bar-B-Cue Co.
Bangor, PA
Rich Green, Pitmaster
This venture began without any game plan or idea how it would turn us into fanatics. We entered a local, non-sanctioned contest and wound up beating some people who actually did this for a living. From there it was off to the big leagues. We compete against some of the best BBQ teams in the country. We do this for fun and this battlefield is where the art is perfected. We strive to provide a product that will leave people talking, and service they won’t soon forget. BBQ isn’t just food…it’s an art…it’s a way of life…in a way that no fast food or chain can provide. We joined KCBS in 2005…..we compete in at least six contests a year. Rich has a full time job as an iron worker….Kim runs their take-out /catering business. One of their most memorable moments in the last 12 years was winning 1st place in the rib category at the Inaugural Kings Of Q BBQ Comp in Ayden!
Bangor, PA
Rich Green, Pitmaster
This venture began without any game plan or idea how it would turn us into fanatics. We entered a local, non-sanctioned contest and wound up beating some people who actually did this for a living. From there it was off to the big leagues. We compete against some of the best BBQ teams in the country. We do this for fun and this battlefield is where the art is perfected. We strive to provide a product that will leave people talking, and service they won’t soon forget. BBQ isn’t just food…it’s an art…it’s a way of life…in a way that no fast food or chain can provide. We joined KCBS in 2005…..we compete in at least six contests a year. Rich has a full time job as an iron worker….Kim runs their take-out /catering business. One of their most memorable moments in the last 12 years was winning 1st place in the rib category at the Inaugural Kings Of Q BBQ Comp in Ayden!
Mcadoo Heights BBQ
Greensboro, NC
Sean Sewell, Pitmaster
This is Mcadoo Height BBQ's 4th year competing. Team members include Sean Sewell, Jay Sewell, Chris Johnson and Keenan Sewell. Last year they competed in 14 contests.
Grand Champions of the Peak City Pig Fest in Apex 2016 and April 2017.
Grand Champions in BBQ Capital Cookoff in Lexington.
Greensboro, NC
Sean Sewell, Pitmaster
This is Mcadoo Height BBQ's 4th year competing. Team members include Sean Sewell, Jay Sewell, Chris Johnson and Keenan Sewell. Last year they competed in 14 contests.
Grand Champions of the Peak City Pig Fest in Apex 2016 and April 2017.
Grand Champions in BBQ Capital Cookoff in Lexington.
Muttley Crew
Apex, NC
Shannon Turner, Pitmaster
Muttley Crew BBQ is a team from Apex, NC led by Shannon Turner. The husband/wife team started competing in KCBS BBQ Competitions in 2013 and have earned several Grand Championships, Reserve Grand Championships, many top 10 category and overall awards including Shannon becoming the 2017 Cowboy Charcoal Fire and Ice Champion at the World Food Championships. While competition cooking is their passion, they are also certified KCBS BBQ judges. They have 5 dogs, 2 of which travel to most competitions with them - best taste testers in the world! In 2018, they plan to donate a percentage of their winnings to a deserving charity for animals.
Apex, NC
Shannon Turner, Pitmaster
Muttley Crew BBQ is a team from Apex, NC led by Shannon Turner. The husband/wife team started competing in KCBS BBQ Competitions in 2013 and have earned several Grand Championships, Reserve Grand Championships, many top 10 category and overall awards including Shannon becoming the 2017 Cowboy Charcoal Fire and Ice Champion at the World Food Championships. While competition cooking is their passion, they are also certified KCBS BBQ judges. They have 5 dogs, 2 of which travel to most competitions with them - best taste testers in the world! In 2018, they plan to donate a percentage of their winnings to a deserving charity for animals.
Old Colony Smokehouse
Edenton, NC
Adam Hughes, Pitmaster
Old Colony Smokehouse Competition Barbecue and Catering is based out of Edenton, NC and has been competing since 2015. Pitmaster Adam Hughes is a former restaurateur, active caterer, and a KCBS Certified BBQ judge. OCS is one of the few #thickcut teams in competition bbq and competes with charcoal fueled drum smokers. Their style of barbecue has earned multiple Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion awards. Team sponsors for 2019 include Swamp Boys BBQ Sauces & Seasonings, Sweet Smoke Q Injections & Sauces, Royal Oak Charcoal, Oakridge BBQ Seasonings & Rubs, Double O Drum Company Smokers, and Mojobricks Wood Products. Find out more by liking OCS on Facebook at facebook.com/oldcolonysmokehouse and on Instagram @oldcolonysmokehouse.
Edenton, NC
Adam Hughes, Pitmaster
Old Colony Smokehouse Competition Barbecue and Catering is based out of Edenton, NC and has been competing since 2015. Pitmaster Adam Hughes is a former restaurateur, active caterer, and a KCBS Certified BBQ judge. OCS is one of the few #thickcut teams in competition bbq and competes with charcoal fueled drum smokers. Their style of barbecue has earned multiple Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion awards. Team sponsors for 2019 include Swamp Boys BBQ Sauces & Seasonings, Sweet Smoke Q Injections & Sauces, Royal Oak Charcoal, Oakridge BBQ Seasonings & Rubs, Double O Drum Company Smokers, and Mojobricks Wood Products. Find out more by liking OCS on Facebook at facebook.com/oldcolonysmokehouse and on Instagram @oldcolonysmokehouse.
Ole' Mills BBQ Co.
Hope Mills, NC
Mike Carter, Pitmaster
Hope Mills, NC
Mike Carter, Pitmaster
Pappy’s Legacy BBQ
Four Oaks, NC
Buck Winbourne, Pitmaster
Pappy's Legacy BBQ has been competing in backyard cook events and catering for four years. With the help and encouragement of family and friends, we have decided to expand our horizons and let Ayden’s "Kings of Q" be our first KCBS event.
Four Oaks, NC
Buck Winbourne, Pitmaster
Pappy's Legacy BBQ has been competing in backyard cook events and catering for four years. With the help and encouragement of family and friends, we have decided to expand our horizons and let Ayden’s "Kings of Q" be our first KCBS event.
Redneck Scientific
Clayton, NC
Jerry Stephenson, Jr., Pitmaster
Redneck Scientific started competing on the KCBS circuit in 2011 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Since then, the team has walked in almost every competition, received dozens of first place category finishes, brought home multiple perfect 180-category scores, and have multiple Grand Championship and Reserve Grand Championship wins. Head Pitmaster, Jerry Stephenson, Jr., grew up in eastern North Carolina. He learned to cook whole hog at an early age and came to appreciate not only the fine taste of eastern N.C. pulled pork, but also the camaraderie and fellowship that come with standing around a pit. He founded Redneck Scientific in 2010 and quickly became engaged in the KCBS world of pork, chicken, brisket and ribs. Jerry’s sister Roxanne Manley works alongside Jerry at competitions, while his wife, Liz Stephenson and two daughters, Elle and Fiona, come out when they can. The team has traveled across North Carolina, west to Las Vegas, down to Florida and up into Pennsylvania earning walks and ribbons competing in Multiple American Royal World Series of BBQ, the World Food Championships, Sam’s Club National BBQ tour Finals and over 100 other KCBS contests including a draw for the Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational BBQ. Jerry creates his own sauces and cooks on Backwoods using Royal Oak Charcoal, BBQ Guru controllers, Oakridge BBQ rubs and Mojobricks for added smoke flavor. Redneck Scientific also builds ugly drum smokers that are handcrafted in North Carolina. In 2017, Jerry realized a life-long dream and opened a small restaurant in Benson, NC at McGee’s Crossroads. The Redneck BBQ Lab opened in January 2017 and features Redneck Scientific recipes. They use sauce and rubs honed from years of competitions and caterings. Side items are made fresh every day, and of course, the Lab features Cheerwine. Jerry’s sister, Roxanne, handled all the interior work. The walls are covered with vintage photographs of local Johnston County families working in fields, harvesting tobacco or standing in front of old farm houses. Antique tobacco baskets and signs adorn the walls, and hand painted murals are outside. The Lab is located at 12101 NC 210, Benson better known as exit 319 off I-40 at McGee’s Crossroads.
Clayton, NC
Jerry Stephenson, Jr., Pitmaster
Redneck Scientific started competing on the KCBS circuit in 2011 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Since then, the team has walked in almost every competition, received dozens of first place category finishes, brought home multiple perfect 180-category scores, and have multiple Grand Championship and Reserve Grand Championship wins. Head Pitmaster, Jerry Stephenson, Jr., grew up in eastern North Carolina. He learned to cook whole hog at an early age and came to appreciate not only the fine taste of eastern N.C. pulled pork, but also the camaraderie and fellowship that come with standing around a pit. He founded Redneck Scientific in 2010 and quickly became engaged in the KCBS world of pork, chicken, brisket and ribs. Jerry’s sister Roxanne Manley works alongside Jerry at competitions, while his wife, Liz Stephenson and two daughters, Elle and Fiona, come out when they can. The team has traveled across North Carolina, west to Las Vegas, down to Florida and up into Pennsylvania earning walks and ribbons competing in Multiple American Royal World Series of BBQ, the World Food Championships, Sam’s Club National BBQ tour Finals and over 100 other KCBS contests including a draw for the Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational BBQ. Jerry creates his own sauces and cooks on Backwoods using Royal Oak Charcoal, BBQ Guru controllers, Oakridge BBQ rubs and Mojobricks for added smoke flavor. Redneck Scientific also builds ugly drum smokers that are handcrafted in North Carolina. In 2017, Jerry realized a life-long dream and opened a small restaurant in Benson, NC at McGee’s Crossroads. The Redneck BBQ Lab opened in January 2017 and features Redneck Scientific recipes. They use sauce and rubs honed from years of competitions and caterings. Side items are made fresh every day, and of course, the Lab features Cheerwine. Jerry’s sister, Roxanne, handled all the interior work. The walls are covered with vintage photographs of local Johnston County families working in fields, harvesting tobacco or standing in front of old farm houses. Antique tobacco baskets and signs adorn the walls, and hand painted murals are outside. The Lab is located at 12101 NC 210, Benson better known as exit 319 off I-40 at McGee’s Crossroads.
Smoken Souls Barbecue
Franklinton, NC
Kevin Harwell, Pitmaster
Franklinton, NC
Kevin Harwell, Pitmaster
Smokin’ BBQ
Fremont, NC
Ryan Martens, Head Pitmaster
Kathy Williams, Assistant
Smokin' BBQ started out in 2011, competing in backyard competitions, the team started competing in KCBS sanctioned events in 2016.
Smokin' BBQ Is a team of family members, Pitmaster - Ryan Martens Assistant pitmaster - Kathy Williams Assistant and turn in box prep - Kayla Collier Turn in and taste testers - Nicole, Alyssa and Ashlee Martens. Smokin' BBQ started out cooking for friends and family,
everyone kept telling us to start competing, our first competition was at a campground in Tabor City, we cooked there for five years, our second year there we won grand champion, we were grand champions three years in a row, in 2015 we started to look in to the KCBS sanctioned events and realized they had a event in our home town Goldsboro, NC but we were to late to enter, in 2016 we entered Ayden (Kings of Q), Goldsboro (Beak Week) and Rocky Mount (Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown). We really enjoy the competitions and the rest of the teams hospitality, we plan on competing for years to come, win or loose,
it's all about everyone coming together and having a good time.
Fremont, NC
Ryan Martens, Head Pitmaster
Kathy Williams, Assistant
Smokin' BBQ started out in 2011, competing in backyard competitions, the team started competing in KCBS sanctioned events in 2016.
Smokin' BBQ Is a team of family members, Pitmaster - Ryan Martens Assistant pitmaster - Kathy Williams Assistant and turn in box prep - Kayla Collier Turn in and taste testers - Nicole, Alyssa and Ashlee Martens. Smokin' BBQ started out cooking for friends and family,
everyone kept telling us to start competing, our first competition was at a campground in Tabor City, we cooked there for five years, our second year there we won grand champion, we were grand champions three years in a row, in 2015 we started to look in to the KCBS sanctioned events and realized they had a event in our home town Goldsboro, NC but we were to late to enter, in 2016 we entered Ayden (Kings of Q), Goldsboro (Beak Week) and Rocky Mount (Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown). We really enjoy the competitions and the rest of the teams hospitality, we plan on competing for years to come, win or loose,
it's all about everyone coming together and having a good time.
Smokin Skullies
Goldsboro, NC
Brian Corbett, Pitmaster
Goldsboro, NC
Brian Corbett, Pitmaster
Smokin' Sparrow BBQ
Greenville, NC
Matthew Sparrow, Pitmaster
Greenville, NC
Matthew Sparrow, Pitmaster
Smoking Aces BBQ
Creedmoor, NC
Mark Rose, Pitmaster
Smoking Aces BBQ started competing last year in 2018 in the KCBS in North Carolina. We are from the small town of Creedmoor, NC and if you drive through you will notice the one stoplight. We love our BBQ, so we take pride in competing, and catering with our friends and family as well as help out in our little community. Our team is made up of head cook Mark, and his wife Jennifer Rose. Mark owns an IT company and Jennifer is a full time Registered Nurse. Team members Clark Young, and Dan Handy help us out as well. We are very excited to compete in Ayden home of some really good folks and good BBQ.
Creedmoor, NC
Mark Rose, Pitmaster
Smoking Aces BBQ started competing last year in 2018 in the KCBS in North Carolina. We are from the small town of Creedmoor, NC and if you drive through you will notice the one stoplight. We love our BBQ, so we take pride in competing, and catering with our friends and family as well as help out in our little community. Our team is made up of head cook Mark, and his wife Jennifer Rose. Mark owns an IT company and Jennifer is a full time Registered Nurse. Team members Clark Young, and Dan Handy help us out as well. We are very excited to compete in Ayden home of some really good folks and good BBQ.
Tarheel Smokers
Hertford, NC
Roy Murray, Pitmaster
Hertford, NC
Roy Murray, Pitmaster
The Smokehouse Mafia
Taylorsville, NC
Andrew Rasmussen, Pitmaster
Taylorsville, NC
Andrew Rasmussen, Pitmaster
Too Ashamed To Name BBQ
Cary, NC
Scott Hares, Pitmaster
True, it is a ridiculous name for a competition BBQ team. But here's the thing, if we come in dead last place, then it's no big deal - after all, we're Too Ashamed to Name. On the other hand, the teams that we score ahead of - well! They just got beat by Too Ashamed to Name - how's that for humbling!!! We started competing in 2008 out of California, and came to NC for good in 2017. We've got 4 Grand Championships and 1 trip to the Jack Daniels so far.
Cary, NC
Scott Hares, Pitmaster
True, it is a ridiculous name for a competition BBQ team. But here's the thing, if we come in dead last place, then it's no big deal - after all, we're Too Ashamed to Name. On the other hand, the teams that we score ahead of - well! They just got beat by Too Ashamed to Name - how's that for humbling!!! We started competing in 2008 out of California, and came to NC for good in 2017. We've got 4 Grand Championships and 1 trip to the Jack Daniels so far.
Tuff Smoke BBQ
Smithfield, NC
Keith Olive, Pitmaster
This will be our first year cooking with the Kings of Q and our second year cooking on the KCBS circuit the team is led by pitmaster Keith Olive with help from my wife Amanda Olive and my family we are an devoted team still striving to reach our first grand championship.
Smithfield, NC
Keith Olive, Pitmaster
This will be our first year cooking with the Kings of Q and our second year cooking on the KCBS circuit the team is led by pitmaster Keith Olive with help from my wife Amanda Olive and my family we are an devoted team still striving to reach our first grand championship.
Twisted Pair BBQ
Raleigh, NC
George DeMartz, Pitmaster
Team “Twisted Pair BBQ” is located in Raleigh, NC and is comprised of George DeMartz, Pitmaster, Dexter Gupton, assistant Pitmaster, and Steven Gentzler, assistant Pitmaster. The team formed about 5 years ago among co-workers in Raleigh, NC and expanded to include Steven in late 2016 after cooking with him for over a year. We’ve greatly expanded our competition cooking schedule this year from a typical of 3 KCBS events and 5 or 6 NCPC whole hog events to 11 KCBS events, 3 NC Pork Council Whole Hog Competitions and a couple other select specialty “Back-Yard” events. We’ve been fortunate enough to have our fair share of calls and walks in the 3rd thru 10th range in the individual KCBS categories; however we are still chasing that ever elusive GC or RGC finish! We are a fairly serious competition team and are gaining respect on the circuit each year! We love what we do and truly enjoy the science behind the cooking. We truly enjoy our BBQ family that we’ve met on the circuit and look forward to each competition so that we can renew old friendships or kindle new ones.
Our goal this year is to consistently finish in the top 10 team within the events we are c
competing in while continuing to improve on our BBQ skills! Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TwistedPairBBQ/!
Raleigh, NC
George DeMartz, Pitmaster
Team “Twisted Pair BBQ” is located in Raleigh, NC and is comprised of George DeMartz, Pitmaster, Dexter Gupton, assistant Pitmaster, and Steven Gentzler, assistant Pitmaster. The team formed about 5 years ago among co-workers in Raleigh, NC and expanded to include Steven in late 2016 after cooking with him for over a year. We’ve greatly expanded our competition cooking schedule this year from a typical of 3 KCBS events and 5 or 6 NCPC whole hog events to 11 KCBS events, 3 NC Pork Council Whole Hog Competitions and a couple other select specialty “Back-Yard” events. We’ve been fortunate enough to have our fair share of calls and walks in the 3rd thru 10th range in the individual KCBS categories; however we are still chasing that ever elusive GC or RGC finish! We are a fairly serious competition team and are gaining respect on the circuit each year! We love what we do and truly enjoy the science behind the cooking. We truly enjoy our BBQ family that we’ve met on the circuit and look forward to each competition so that we can renew old friendships or kindle new ones.
Our goal this year is to consistently finish in the top 10 team within the events we are c
competing in while continuing to improve on our BBQ skills! Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TwistedPairBBQ/!
