The Low & Slow Barbecue Show

Barbecue Reimagined brings Pinehurst Barbecue Festival an alternative taste of traditional ingredients and cooking methods from North Carolina’s top chefs. Chad Blackwelder from N.C Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services shares an inside look at the event’s roots and what barbecue enthusiasts can expect when the visit BHAWK Distillery. Find out what’s on the Barbecue Reimagined menu and how it spotlights the Got to Be NC program and the N.C. producers who provide ingredients for food and beverages found in businesses and homes across the nation. Don’t miss Chad’s scoop on his favorite r...

Catch up with Southern Smoke BBQ Pitmaster Matthew Register during a busy barbecue festival season to find out coming soon for his business and the “Garland Metroplex” in Eastern North Carolina. Find out how Southern Smoke is combining barbecue with high school football to turn attention to a critical role player for Friday Night Football in the fall. Is there another cookbook coming? Chef Coach Daddy Matt talks about the how-to recipe video projects he’s working on and whether they’re replacing cookbooks. Listen to hear how he’s applied the “Southern Smoke” touch to the menu for Pinehurst Barb...

If you’re heading to the Pinehurst Barbecue Festival, get ready to experience why Master Blend Family Farms is one of the most talked‑about names in North Carolina barbecue. Pitmaster and president Ronald “Mr. 365” Simmons returns to The Low & Slow Barbecue Show to talk about how his business is evolving into weekly food truck operations. Revisit the roots of Master Blend Family Farms and find out how the company is supplying top restaurants, selling premium pork online, and introducing more people to the brand. Find out how Ron got involved with the Pinehurst Barbecue Festival and how his North Caro...

Old Colony Smokehouse Pitmaster Adam Hughes reveals the barbecue experience at his Edenton, NC, business. Find out how he evolved from barbecue competitions to the restaurant business, and how his current menu items compare with the world championship barbecue bites he produced for judges. Learn about the Old Colony Smokehouse sauces and what differentiates Old Colony Smokehouse from other Carolina barbecue options. Adam Hughes shares how he’s applying three generations of family hog farming and butchery into his modern-day Southern Culinary Revival. Don’t miss the Old Colony Smokehouse pitmaster’s advice for making great sausage – just like his gran...

Christopher Prieto shares the latest news from Prime STQ, his new steak and barbecue concept slated to launch by early 2026. Find out about his plans for the menu, the progress on the project at Boxyard RTP, and what will differentiate Prime STQ from his other ventures. Listen to this episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show, and you’ll also hear Christopher Prieto describe the experience at Prime Barbecue and the roots behind his restaurant in Knightdale. Find out how his faith and family set a firm foundation for a non-stop approach to barbecue that keeps him opening the do...

Pinehurst Barbecue Festival 2025 features 3 days of events and the Christopher Prieto Pitmaster Invitational and has quickly become one of the Carolinas’ premier barbecue events. Andrew Stilwell gives us a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s barbecue festival event Aug. 29-31, the participating pitmasters, the diverse menus of food options, and a chance to win a lifetime ticket to the festival. Get the history of the festival, how it started in the Village of Pinehurst, and breaking news about the second-annual Smithfield Cup between North Carolina and South Carolina pitmasters. Listen to this episode for the details on Pinehurst Barbecue Fest...

Dampf Good BBQ Founder Nick Dampf went from being a brisket first-timer with a backyard smoker to North Carolina’s best brisket bite according to Texas Monthly. He shares the Dampf Good BBQ story and his tips to help you cook the best brisket in your own backyard. Don’t miss the news from Dampf Good BBQ about an expansion in the business (and the Dampf family). Listen to this episode of The Low and Slow Barbecue Show and get the scoop on the plans for a 3,000-square-foot brick-and-mortar coming soon. Find out how Dampf Good BBQ is different from...

Golden Rule BBQ is America’s oldest, longest-running barbecue restaurant with a history dating back to 1891. In this episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show we learn the story of Golden Rule and its 135-year-old tradition of pork barbecue sandwiches. Golden Rule’s Daniel Harp takes us through the bankruptcy that nearly ended the storied barbecue business, how new owners rescued the famous brand, and what is on the horizon for the future. Listen and discover what you can expect from a visit to Golden Rule BBQ and what sets this business in Irondale, Alabama apart from the rest of t...

What are the four main styles of barbecue? Food writer Andre James shares his Mount Rushmore of BBQ, as well as his favorite stops for barbecue in Chattanooga, Myrtle Beach, and his hometown of Southport, N.C. Find out how Andre James turned time spent in the food and beverage industry into a career in food journalism and how his adventure has combined travel with journalism to highlight the best bites around the South. Read more of Andre’s opinions on the BBQ Mount Rushmore here, and don’t miss his 10 top BBQ Joints in Chattanooga reporting here.

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Barbecue news updates around the Carolinas in Summer 2025 include updates on a James Beard Award Finalist, 2025 North Carolina BBQ Hall of Fame Inductees, Operation BBQ Relief Volunteer Awards, State Whole Hog Championships, and the South Carolina Connection to SmokeSlam 2025. Listen to this episode for the Summer 2025 barbecue news recap from The Lowdown, our weekly barbecue newsletter. You’ll find out about upcoming barbecue events, barbecue business news, and the food trucks we’re following around the Carolinas. Have news, events, or barbecue food truck schedules to share? Email the Lowdown at lowandslowbarbecueshow@gmail.com

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N.C. Whole Hog State Champion Kevin Peterson joins the Low & Slow Barbecue Show to reveal tips for preparing the best whole hog barbecue. The pitmaster behind Showtime’s Legit BBQ details his whole hog process from start to finish and shares insights into his husband-and-wife barbecue team. Get the backstory on Showtime’s Legit BBQ and its success and find out how Kevin Peterson started smoking barbecue low and slow in Eastern North Carolina.

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Carolina BBQ Festival 2026 marks its fifth anniversary, and organizers from Sweet Lew’s BBQ and Let’s Meet CLT reveal what’s working, what’s not, and what folks can expect for April 17-18, 2026. Find out how festival events throughout the year are bringing a greater spotlight to Charlotte, the Carolina barbecue scene, and small businesses throughout the region. Lewis “Sweet Lew” Donald and Erin Hunter from Let’s Meet CLT talk about how they started the Carolina BBQ Festival and why BBQ for a Cause is motivating bigger and better things every year. Don’t miss Sweet Lew’s wish list for fu...

Rusty’s Bar-B-Q Founder Rusty Tucker opens the doors of his Alabama barbecue restaurant and shares the story of his smoked meat upbringing. Find out the important role family traditions play in his career, from childhood pitmaster to formal culinary training. Learn which Rusty’s Bar-B-Q sauces and menu items are the most popular and how an untraditional order is a measuring stick for the best Alabama barbecue joints. Who’s spending the most time on the pits at Rusty’s Bar-B-Q? Rusty reveals the answer. Don’t miss Rusty’s summer tips for taking your barbecue on the road or deli...

Bubbles & Brisket’s Max Trujillo shares the roots of the annual North Carolina food and beverage event and the NC F&B Podcast. Get the festival details about North Carolina pitmasters and North Carolina beverage producers and hear why bubbles and brisket go so well together. Find out how industry experience led Max to launch other media platforms. Don’t miss Max Trujillo’s perspective on the best North Carolina city for food. Listen to learn his favorite places in the state for barbecue. Be sure to visit the NC F&B Podcast’s episodes library here.

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Alabama Barbecue Chase Founder Ricky Harmon shares the story of his campaign to celebrate barbecue across the state of Alabama. Find out his favorite stops among the 75+ he’s visited. What Alabama city has the best barbecue? Alabama’s Barbecue Chaser shares his answer and explains his approach for restaurant reviews – and where he awards bonus points. If you are planning a trip to Sweet Home Alabama, here’s your guide!

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Wright’s BBQ Founder Jordan Wright shares his Arkansas barbecue journey that has grown from 1 food truck to 4 locations across northwest Arkansas, Little Rock, and University of Arkansas sports venues. Find out how Wright’s Barbecue got started, how COVID boosted his business, and what lies on the horizon. Jordan Wright also reveals the Wright’s BBQ style, what people will experience in the restaurants, and what keeps his fire burning after eight years in business. Listen today for the story of a backyard pitmaster who has become an Arkansas barbecue legend selling the Best Barbecue in the United States...

Spring Break spurs a road trip to Chigger’s native homeland and a bunch of Alabama barbecue stops along the way. Get the scoop on Byron’s Smokehouse, Hook’s BBQ in Andalusia, Miss Myra’s in Cahaba Heights, and Rusty’s Bar-B-Q in Leeds. There’s also stops at Buc-ees, Big Bad Breakfast, and Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Get the barbecue reviews and analysis about these popular Alabama barbecue stops, as well as a resource for your own original Alabama Barbecue Tour.

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Goat Fest Founder Jason Knapp reveals how he became the Kitchen Goat and why he launched his own charitable culinary events through Kitchen Goat Feeds. Blue Suede BBQ’s founder and pitmaster joins talks about his People’s Choice Award during the 2024 Goat Fest BBQ contest and chili cook-off. He also shares an update on how the Blue Suede BBQ business is expanding into competition, catering, and food truck operations. Listen to this episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show and find out about Goat Fest 2025, a Southern BBQ Network-sanctioned barbecue event coming up May 2-3 in Nashville, NC.

Pork in the Park Festival pitmasters and competitors descend on Newberry, S.C. on April 25-26, for food, live music, and free fun for the entire family. The Low & Slow Barbecue Show explores the 10-year-old festival with organizer Devan Moore, who shares details about the free Friday night concert, barbecue & beverages for public consumption, and a day of competition sanctioned by Southern Barbecue Network.  Tune in to hear about the barbecue journey of pitmaster, barbecue competitor, and founder of the Smokin’ Butts and More food truck. Find out which protein is a priority, how he turned a hobby into a f...

Comedian Tim Shropshire reveals his North Carlina roots and his favorite barbecue experiences. Find out about Shrop Fest 2025, a wing and rib competition that prioritizes what tastes good over what a certified BBQ judge might think. Shrop even names the North Carolina barbecue business with better brisket than Texas Monthly’s No. 1 barbecue in Texas. Listen today to find out what Tim Shrop Comedy is cooking up next in his hilarious and wholesome social media platform. 

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Ron’s Back! Mr. All Gas, No Breaks 365 shares the latest news from Master Blend Family Farms, including his visit with NASCAR’s Ross Chastain, and recognition from N.C. Governor Josh Stein, exploring new markets in California, and adventures across North Carolina promoting the state’s agriculture. Listen to find out what Ron and Master Blend Family Farms are bringing to the Carolina BBQ Festival April 4-5, and why he returns to the event year after year. Bonus: We answer the question on everyone’s mind – does Ronald Simmons ever sleep?

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BBQ Friend Joey DiApice joins The Low & Slow Barbecue Show to give you a glimpse behind the camera of his mouth-watering food recipes and videos. Find out how he got his start and the process that’s involved with his nightly food prep videos that are guaranteed to make you hungry! Our BBQ Friend shares the scoop on how he got connected with the Carolina BBQ Festival in Charlotte, where you can find him on the Internet, and what he’s cooking for the future. Don’t miss the BBQ Friend’s responses in the Low & Slow Showdown.

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Operation BBQ Relief Pitmaster and N.C. Area Coordinator Scott Jarrett reveals his barbecue roots, how he got involved with Operation BBQ Relief, and why he keeps volunteering after 12 million barbecue meals served. Find out how to get involved as an Operation BBQ Relief volunteer, learn how to support the organization during the Carolina BBQ Festival and through the website, and hear Scott’s perspective on providing relief after Hurricane Helene and California fires. 

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This episode was made possible by our sponsor Cranford Brothers BBQ in Hickory, NC! Hav...

On the cusp of officially launching his latest barbecue project, Elliott Moss joins The Low & Slow Barbecue show to talk about Elliott’s in Florence. Listen to the interview for the backstory on the building and the Moss family’s long-time connection to Pee Dee region – and whole hog barbecue. Find out about the menu, the smokehouse, and plans for spectator tours on barbecue Saturday! With a record shop, an arcade, and a brewery all part of this BBQ joint, Elliott’s in Florence is a one-of-a-kind attraction conveniently close to I-95. Elliott shares a bit of his meat-smoking history...

County Smoak Pitmaster Ken Hess returns to The Low & Slow Barbecue Show to defend Virginia as “first” in barbecue. Get the latest from Lynchburg, Virginia, where Ken and Jessica Hess are smoking meat low and slow in the Virginia tradition, while introducing their own unique flair to the flavors that fill the menu – like the brisket pastrami, a forever favorite at the Carolina BBQ Festival. Don’t miss Ken’s advice for smoking, resting, and preserving the perfect brisket. Meet the County Smoak team during the Carolina BBQ Festival on April 4-5.

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Smoked Pickle Barbecue Pitmaster and Founder Eric Pickle shares the story of his Knoxville-based food truck that is rapidly expanding into a Tennessee barbecue favorite. Find out how Smoked Pickled Barbecue started, where you can enjoy it, and who turns to Eric Pickle when it is time to feed the orange-clad gladiators on game day. How is Smoked Pickle Barbecue different than Carolina barbecue? Listen to the podcast for the pitmaster’s explanation. Eric also shares how and why he joined Hurricane Helene relief efforts in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. Meet Smoked Pickle Barbecue on The Low & Sl...

Matthew Register takes us 94 and ½ feet down Warren Street for the latest news from Southern Smoke BBQ and South Catering of N.C. Find out what’s on the horizon for the business, get a glimpse into the Southern Smoke roots, and learn more about what motivates Matthew Register to keep pouring barbecue love into his Eastern North Carolina community. Listen today to discover which barbecue bite Matthew and Southern Smoke BBQ will bring to the Carolina BBQ Festival in Charlotte – and why they made the unique selection! Don’t miss your chance to meet the pitmaster in our podcast...

Sam Jones BBQ’s pitmaster and business leader Michael Letchworth shares the story of his barbecue journey. From an early start working the pits at Skylight Inn to his current role leading the Sam Jones BBQ business alongside Sam, who carries on the Carolina barbecue legacy started by his grandfather Pete Jones. Don’t miss Michael’s perspective on a life spent in the barbecue business and what motivates him away from the pits. Listen to find out what the Sam Jones BBQ team will bring to the Carolina BBQ Festival in Charlotte (spoiler alert: it is exactly what you ex...

Ben’s Backdraft Barbecue reveals big news about his first brick-and-mortar location and his first time participating in the Carolina BBQ Festival for the first time April 4-5, at Victoria Yards in Charlotte. Find out details about this year’s BBQ Festival and why you want to attend. Listen to learn more about how Ben’s Backdraft Barbecue continues to serve western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene, while expanding his own business opportunities.

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The Low & Slow Barbecue Show reveals the Carolina BBQ Festival Pitmasters for 2025. Listen today and find out who will serve their best barbecue bites at the festival April 4-5. Get a hint of what they’ve brought in the past. Lexington Barbecue’s Nathan Monk, City Limits BBQ’s Robbie Robinson, Southern Smoke’s Matthew Register, and Bryan Furman lead the line-up. Get festival details and where you can buy tickets. Be sure to visit The Low & Slow Barbecue Show to hear the pitmasters share their stories in their own words.

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Hickory Barbecue is in the spotlight as The Low & Slow Barbecue Show welcomes the beer aficionados from 3 Beers Down for the first-ever Hickory Holiday Meat Crawl! We taste and rate pulled pork from 6 Hickory barbecue restaurants that top the list for the “best” according to Hickory Metro social media channels and keyboard warriors. And choosing a winner is no easy task for the judges sampling smoked meat from Anywhere’z Fine, JD’s Smokehouse, Hugh’s Q, Cranford Brothers, The BBQ Pit, and Apple City BBQ. Listen for the food reviews and the decisions on which Hickory barbecue reigns supreme –...

1976 Barbecue Pitmaster Gus the Butcher shares his tips for turkey just in time for Thanksgiving … or Christmas! Listen to the Thanksgiving Day episode of the Low & Slow Barbecue show to hear a few favorite traditions and memories from host Chigger Willard and Gus the Butcher, who also shares advice for future meals of smoked meat. Find out why Gus the Butcher started 1976 Barbecue, where he serves, and how you can bring his great barbecue to your home or business. What does it take to be a master charcutier? Gus knows. Don’t miss the details about the 1976 Barbecue traveling live...

The calendar year is winding down, but there’s still big barbecue news and events happening around the Carolinas. In this episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show we hit a few highlights, including Prime BBQ pitmaster Chris Prieto’s new venture in Durham. We talk about some of our favorite barbecue places in the media spotlight and celebrate the effort by Hickory Soup Kitchen and Operation BBQ Relief to feed more than 200 families in Hickory, NC. And with a big new barbecue business in town – we talk a little bit about Jim N’ Nick’s, but we visited a local fa...

The Carolina climate is getting cooler but things are heating up for the Carolina BBQ Festival in 2025. The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is serving the details as well as an update on a new barbecue business in Hickory and Hurricane Helene Relief efforts. Find out about a great fall recipe for collard green chowder from Southern Smoke BBQ Pitmaster Matthew Register. Don’t miss the listener shout-out and reader mail!

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Barbecue reviews are on the menu as well as some of the top news stories on the barbecue beat. Low & Slow Barbecue Show Host Chigger Willard reviews recent visits to Little Pig’s Barbecue in Newton, N.C., and Cranford Brothers Barbecue in Hickory. Listen to find out about the big event Cranford is hosting to benefit N.C. hospitality industry workers affected by Hurricane Helene. Get the latest update on devastating fires at historic barbecue joints as well as the upcoming barbecue events that need to be on your radar.

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Ben’s Backdraft BBQ Pitmaster Ben Hooper returns to The Low & Slow Barbecue Show to share his story about Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. As a member of the fire service, Ben tells of days spent working swift water rescues and evacuations while wondering about the safety of his own family and his barbecue business.

Follow Ben’s journey after the storm when he went from serving as a first responder to working as a pitmaster feeding families, utility linemen, hospital workers, and other first responders, largely thanks to his own generosity and that of others in t...

Southern BBQ Network hosts the annual SBN Invitational – the “World Series” of Carolina Barbecue - Nov. 1-2, 2024 in Moncks Corner. Southern BBQ Network President Bill Englehaupt joins The Low & Slow Barbecue Show to share details about the SBN Invitational and the Kids Que competition that brings all the best barbecue pitmasters – young and old! – together to compete. Find out who’s expected to attend this year’s SBN Invitational, how competitors are judged, and when spectators can get a taste of the best barbecue on the Southern BBQ Network circuit.

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In the world of Carolina Barbecue, which state reigns supreme – North Carolina or South Carolina? We find out with the results from the first-ever Smithfield Cup and salute some other top pitmasters who are catching the attention of national media. More importantly, we spotlight how the barbecue community is providing critical food service to North Carolina residents affected by Hurricane Helene. Listen to learn how you can help Operation BBQ Relief – and get the Low & Slow Barbecue Show recipe for jalapeno poppers.

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Gardner-Webb University is fanning the flames of barbecue competition for homecoming Oct. 18-19, and the Low & Slow Barbecue Show is getting all the details on the second annual Bo’s Battle Que. Gardner-Webb Director of Alumni Relations Leah Clevenger and Southern BBQ Network Events Coordinator Karen Cowell share all the details about this year’s competition. Find out how the Battle Que got started, who is involved, and how spectators can get a taste of the action. Listen to find out how SBN helps elevate the quality of the competition and the judging. Don’t miss our guests’ answers in the L...

World Food Championships Founder Mike McCloud shares all the details about the annual food fight that puts the best chefs from across the culinary world into the ring of competition. Find out about the barbecue competition and what it takes to earn a place in the championships and a chance to be named a category champion or a World Food Champion. Listen today to learn about Famous Dave’s All-Start BBQ Series, as well as Mike McCloud’s own barbecue preferences.

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