ilani BBQ Fest

August 24th - 25th

two days of grills and thrills?

sounds like fun.

Join us for a celebration of all things barbecue and beyond. Meet your favorite celebrity chefs perform live cooking demonstrations, plus drink tastings, delicious barbecue and more!

Schedule of Events

Saturday Grand Tasting

Saturday, August 24th

ilani Rooftop

Session 1 | 11am - 3pm

Session 2 | 4pm - 8pm

Tickets: $49

Sat Session 1 Get Tickets

Sat Session 2 Get Tickets

Join us on the ilani rooftop as we celebrate all things barbecue! Headlined by world-class celebrity chefs, the Grand Tasting features mouth-watering cooking demonstrations, smoky favorites, drinks samplings and more as the nation’s top pitmaster show off their chops.

Party with the Pitmasters: Celebrity Chef Dine-Around

Saturday, August 24th

Cowlitz Ballroom

7:30pm - 10pm

Tickets: $109

Sat Dine-Around Get Tickets

Join the top BBQ pitmasters for an intimate dine-around experience. Meet your favorite celebrity chefs and indulge in mouth-watering samples and drink pairings as the pitmasters reimagine their famous BBQ dishes.

Sunday Grand Tasting: Session 3

Sunday, August 25th

ilani Rooftop

1pm - 5pm

Tickets: $49

Sunday Session Get Tickets

Join us on the ilani rooftop as we celebrate all things barbecue! Headlined by world-class celebrity chefs, the Grand Tasting features mouth-watering cooking demonstrations, smoky favorites, drinks samplings and more as the nation’s top pitmaster show off their chops.

Celebrity Chefs

Alton Brown

Alton Brown was directing TV commercials when he got the crazy idea to go to culinary school and reinvent the cooking show. The result: Good Eats, an irreverent, science-forward program which kept Brown gainfully employed for more than twenty years. Along the way he also hosted Iron Chef America, and Cutthroat Kitchen. Currently, Brown’s live culinary variety show Beyond the Eats continues to play to sold-out theaters across the country and his ninth book, Good Eats: The Final Years will be released in the spring. Brown has been awarded the James Beard award twice as well as the coveted Peabody for his work on Good Eats. Brown lives with his wife, the designer Elizabeth Ingram-Brown, and their two dogs in Atlanta.

Rodney Scott

Pitmaster Rodney Scott has been cooking whole-hog barbecue over wood coals since he was 11 years old. For the next 25 years he worked with his family in their barbecue stop in Hemingway, SC until 2017 when he opened Rodney Scott’s BBQ in the North Central neighborhood of Charleston, SC. In the same year the restaurant was named one the 50 Best New Restaurants by Bon Appetit Magazine and in 2018, Scott was awarded the James Beard Foundation’s award for Outstanding Chef: Southeast. In 2019 Rodney Scott’s BBQ opened a second location in the Avondale neighborhood of Birmingham, AL and in the summer of 2021, a third location in Atlanta, GA bringing whole-hog, South Carolina-style barbecue, along with his famous “Rodney’s Sauce” to another part of the South. In 2024, another location opened on the fourth floor of Chief’s on Broadway, bringing whole-hog barbecue to Nashville in collaboration with Eric Church.

Rodney has been the subject of a full episode of the award-winning Netflix series, Chef’s Table and worked as a judge on Food Network’s BBQ Brawl for two seasons. His cookbook, Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ, published by Clarkson Potter was released in the spring of 2021 to great fanfare. His hard work, friendly manner and respect from his peers has offered Rodney many opportunities to travel around the world and cook alongside chefs and pitmasters in New York City, Belize, Uruguay and Australia.

Tiffani Faison

Chef, Restaurateur and TV personality Tiffani Faison has made a name for herself nationwide for her dynamic personality, culinary prowess, and fierce work ethic. Under Big Heart Hospitality, her Boston based restaurant group, she creates restaurants that are warm, inspired and instantly loveable. These include Sweet Cheeks Q, Fool’s Errand located in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood and Charming Gardender, Dive Bar, Tenderoni’s and Bubble Bath, within Downtown Boston’s High Street Place food hall.

Tiffani is a star on Food Network. In 2022, she won Season 3 of Tournament of Champions, placing first among 32 of the world’s greatest chefs. She serves as a judge on Chopped, Guy’s Grocery Games and has co-hosted Beat Bobby Flay as well as the culinary competition show, Beachside Brawl and Best Bite in Town.

Tiffani began her career working under such renowned chefs as Daniel Boulud, Alain Ducasse, and Todd English. In 2006, early into her career, she was cast on the very first season of Bravo’s Top Chef and placed as runner-up. From there, she worked in prestigious kitchens in Nantucket, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and San Francisco before returning to Boston in 2010 to become Executive Chef of Southern Italian restaurant, Rocca Kitchen & Bar. After transforming Rocca into a critically acclaimed dining destination and garnering a three-star review from The Boston Globe, Tiffani set her sights on creating her own restaurant.

She opened Sweet Cheeks Q in 2011 in Boston’s Fenway, contributing to the urban revitalization that the neighborhood has since experienced. Drawing inspiration from her love of Southern barbecue and extensive travels in Texas, Sweet Cheeks Q became an instant hit for its laidback Southern charm and addictive offerings: Heritage Pulled Pork, Brisket, Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Biscuits with Honey Butter. Shortly after opening, Sweet Cheeks Q garnered a three-star review from The Boston Globe, and it has since been awarded “Boston’s Best Barbecue” numerous times by Boston magazine. Nationally, Forbes deemed Sweet Cheeks’ biscuits the “Best Biscuits in the World” and Southern Living included the restaurant as a destination on its “Great American Barbecue Bucket List.” Most importantly though, Tiffani created a restaurant that is both a neighborhood gem and a dining destination attracting guests from near and far who are simply seeking the city’s best ‘cue. 

In December 2015, Tiffani expanded on her culinary skills, creativity, and business savvy with Tiger Mama. Tiger Mama and its Southeast Asian menu set a new benchmark, both for Tiffani’s career and Boston’s dining culture. The restaurant closed in Winter, 2021. In August 2018, Tiffani opened Fool’s Errand, a cocktail bar where guests can find an irreverent, snack forward menu and internationally sourced wines and aperitifs.

The following year, in August 2019, Orfano, Faison’s subversive Italian American restaurant, burst onto the scene and won diners over for being delicious, elegant, humorous, and distinctly different than anything else in Boston. Food & Wine included Orfano as one

of its “19 Biggest Restaurant Openings of 2019”. Orfano stole hearts for three years before closing in summer 2022.

In March, 2022 Tiffani opened three distinct concepts within Downtown Boston’s High Street Place, a much-anticipated food hall for the city. A testament to her versatility in the kitchen, within a matter of feet she offers guests completely different culinary experiences. At Dive Bar, “Southern Gulf tradition meets classic Coastal New England” with a playful raw bar menu, while at Tenderoni’s Tiffani serves old school pizzas and grindahs that throw it back to the 70s and 80s. Finally, at Bubble Bath, Bostonians can enjoy a Champagne focused wine bar that cheekily pairs its pours with gourmet hot dogs and popcorn.

In November 2022, Tiffani opened another Tenderoni’s in her former Tiger Mama restaurant space in Fenway. This iteration is the “mother ship”, as she explains, expanding upon her popular Tenderoni’s location within High Street Place. The exciting “Italian-American-ish” concept places fun and delicious at the forefront of the guest experience while offering a raucous atmosphere inspired by the best of 70’s and 80’s nostalgia.

Marking her many culinary achievements, Boston Magazine awarded her “Best Chef: General Excellence” in 2016 and 2022.  In 2016, 2019, and 2022 the Boston Business Journal named Tiffani to its “Power 50” list, celebrating individuals from Boston’s multiple industries and professions who are making a difference in their business communities. In December 2019, The Boston Globe named Big Heart Hospitality as “Restaurateurs of the Year” and Eater named Tiffani “Empire Builder of the Year”.

Tiffani currently serves on the Board of Directors for BAGLY (Boston Alliance of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Youth). In September 2019, she was appointed to The Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Restaurant Promotion Commission for her commitment to the state’s restaurant business as a whole. In June 2022, Faison was honored to throw out the first pitch of the Red Sox game in celebration of the team’s annual Pride Night at Fenway Park. Tiffani lives in Boston and is a tireless advocate of LGBTQ+ human rights.

Kevin Bludso

Kevin Bludso is a chef, television personality and two-time Steve Harvey Hoodie Award Winner. In 2008, he opened Bludso's BBQ, that has since grown into an international empire.

Rasheed Phillips
Making his international culinary debut on what The New York Times ranked as one of the top shows of 2020, Rasheed Philips was a breakout star on Netflix’s American Barbeque Showdown. Although a newcomer to the competition side of BBQ, his culinary mantra “The basics perfected: Time, Temperature, and Technique” thrust Rasheed into the spotlight where he quickly became a fan favorite. Unsurprisingly, he soon cultivated a loyal social media base where his candid approach, humility, and personal charisma reached a wider audience.
Adam Perry Lang

Adam Perry Lang transformed traditional grilling, dry-aging and smoking after winning his first barbecue competition. The Culinary Institute of America grad is a New York Times bestselling author, national barbecue champion and known for applying French techniques to live fire cooking.

Alex Belew

Chef Alex Belew's culinary journey began in the heart of the South, where he cherished weekends spent in his grandmother’s kitchen in Rover, Tennessee, learning the art of Southern cooking. After graduating with honors from The Art Institute of Tennessee, Nashville, he immersed himself in top kitchens including Husk by Sean Brock, shaping his passion for creating memorable dining experiences. In 2007, Alex Belew Catering was born, driven by his vision to elevate in-home dining to rival restaurant standards. Transitioning to education in 2012, Belew mentored high school students in Middle Tennessee, pioneering an acclaimed culinary program that led to multiple wins, including the prestigious NRA Prostart Championship. A transformative visit to Chef Curtis Duffy’s Grace Restaurant in 2014 redefined his culinary philosophy, inspiring him to pursue excellence in every dish. His dedication paid off with numerous culinary awards across the South, culminating in the 2018 opening of his acclaimed restaurant, Dallas & Jane, in Murfreesboro. Paying homage to his grandparents, the restaurant swiftly garnered acclaim as the Best Restaurant in Rutherford County.

Alton Brown
Alton Brown was directing TV commercials when he got the crazy idea to go to culinary school and reinvent the cooking show. The result: Good Eats, an irreverent, science-forward program which kept Brown gainfully employed for more than twenty years. Along the way he also hosted Iron Chef America, and Cutthroat Kitchen. Currently, Brown’s live culinary variety show Beyond the Eats continues to play to sold-out theaters across the country and his ninth book, Good Eats: The Final Years will be released in the spring. Brown has been awarded the James Beard award twice as well as the coveted Peabody for his work on Good Eats. Brown lives with his wife, the designer Elizabeth Ingram-Brown, and their two dogs in Atlanta.
Rodney Scott
Pitmaster Rodney Scott has been cooking whole-hog barbecue over wood coals since he was 11 years old. For the next 25 years he worked with his family in their barbecue stop in Hemingway, SC until 2017 when he opened Rodney Scott’s BBQ in the North Central neighborhood of Charleston, SC. In the same year the restaurant was named one the 50 Best New Restaurants by Bon Appetit Magazine and in 2018, Scott was awarded the James Beard Foundation’s award for Outstanding Chef: Southeast. In 2019 Rodney Scott’s BBQ opened a second location in the Avondale neighborhood of Birmingham, AL and in the summer of 2021, a third location in Atlanta, GA bringing whole-hog, South Carolina-style barbecue, along with his famous “Rodney’s Sauce” to another part of the South. In 2024, another location opened on the fourth floor of Chief’s on Broadway, bringing whole-hog barbecue to Nashville in collaboration with Eric Church. Rodney has been the subject of a full episode of the award-winning Netflix series, Chef’s Table and worked as a judge on Food Network’s BBQ Brawl for two seasons. His cookbook, Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ, published by Clarkson Potter was released in the spring of 2021 to great fanfare. His hard work, friendly manner and respect from his peers has offered Rodney many opportunities to travel around the world and cook alongside chefs and pitmasters in New York City, Belize, Uruguay and Australia.
Tiffani Faison
Chef, Restaurateur and TV personality Tiffani Faison has made a name for herself nationwide for her dynamic personality, culinary prowess, and fierce work ethic. Under Big Heart Hospitality, her Boston based restaurant group, she creates restaurants that are warm, inspired and instantly loveable. These include Sweet Cheeks Q, Fool’s Errand located in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood and Charming Gardender, Dive Bar, Tenderoni’s and Bubble Bath, within Downtown Boston’s High Street Place food hall. Tiffani is a star on Food Network. In 2022, she won Season 3 of Tournament of Champions, placing first among 32 of the world’s greatest chefs. She serves as a judge on Chopped, Guy’s Grocery Games and has co-hosted Beat Bobby Flay as well as the culinary competition show, Beachside Brawl and Best Bite in Town. Tiffani began her career working under such renowned chefs as Daniel Boulud, Alain Ducasse, and Todd English. In 2006, early into her career, she was cast on the very first season of Bravo’s Top Chef and placed as runner-up. From there, she worked in prestigious kitchens in Nantucket, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and San Francisco before returning to Boston in 2010 to become Executive Chef of Southern Italian restaurant, Rocca Kitchen & Bar. After transforming Rocca into a critically acclaimed dining destination and garnering a three-star review from The Boston Globe, Tiffani set her sights on creating her own restaurant. She opened Sweet Cheeks Q in 2011 in Boston’s Fenway, contributing to the urban revitalization that the neighborhood has since experienced. Drawing inspiration from her love of Southern barbecue and extensive travels in Texas, Sweet Cheeks Q became an instant hit for its laidback Southern charm and addictive offerings: Heritage Pulled Pork, Brisket, Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Biscuits with Honey Butter. Shortly after opening, Sweet Cheeks Q garnered a three-star review from The Boston Globe, and it has since been awarded “Boston’s Best Barbecue” numerous times by Boston magazine. Nationally, Forbes deemed Sweet Cheeks’ biscuits the “Best Biscuits in the World” and Southern Living included the restaurant as a destination on its “Great American Barbecue Bucket List.” Most importantly though, Tiffani created a restaurant that is both a neighborhood gem and a dining destination attracting guests from near and far who are simply seeking the city’s best ‘cue.  In December 2015, Tiffani expanded on her culinary skills, creativity, and business savvy with Tiger Mama. Tiger Mama and its Southeast Asian menu set a new benchmark, both for Tiffani’s career and Boston’s dining culture. The restaurant closed in Winter, 2021. In August 2018, Tiffani opened Fool’s Errand, a cocktail bar where guests can find an irreverent, snack forward menu and internationally sourced wines and aperitifs. The following year, in August 2019, Orfano, Faison’s subversive Italian American restaurant, burst onto the scene and won diners over for being delicious, elegant, humorous, and distinctly different than anything else in Boston. Food & Wine included Orfano as one of its “19 Biggest Restaurant Openings of 2019”. Orfano stole hearts for three years before closing in summer 2022. In March, 2022 Tiffani opened three distinct concepts within Downtown Boston’s High Street Place, a much-anticipated food hall for the city. A testament to her versatility in the kitchen, within a matter of feet she offers guests completely different culinary experiences. At Dive Bar, “Southern Gulf tradition meets classic Coastal New England” with a playful raw bar menu, while at Tenderoni’s Tiffani serves old school pizzas and grindahs that throw it back to the 70s and 80s. Finally, at Bubble Bath, Bostonians can enjoy a Champagne focused wine bar that cheekily pairs its pours with gourmet hot dogs and popcorn. In November 2022, Tiffani opened another Tenderoni’s in her former Tiger Mama restaurant space in Fenway. This iteration is the “mother ship”, as she explains, expanding upon her popular Tenderoni’s location within High Street Place. The exciting “Italian-American-ish” concept places fun and delicious at the forefront of the guest experience while offering a raucous atmosphere inspired by the best of 70’s and 80’s nostalgia.
Marking her many culinary achievements, Boston Magazine awarded her “Best Chef: General Excellence” in 2016 and 2022.  In 2016, 2019, and 2022 the Boston Business Journal named Tiffani to its “Power 50” list, celebrating individuals from Boston’s multiple industries and professions who are making a difference in their business communities. In December 2019, The Boston Globe named Big Heart Hospitality as “Restaurateurs of the Year” and Eater named Tiffani “Empire Builder of the Year”.
Tiffani currently serves on the Board of Directors for BAGLY (Boston Alliance of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Youth). In September 2019, she was appointed to The Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Restaurant Promotion Commission for her commitment to the state’s restaurant business as a whole. In June 2022, Faison was honored to throw out the first pitch of the Red Sox game in celebration of the team’s annual Pride Night at Fenway Park. Tiffani lives in Boston and is a tireless advocate of LGBTQ+ human rights.
Kevin Bludso
Kevin Bludso is a chef, television personality and two-time Steve Harvey Hoodie Award Winner. In 2008, he opened Bludso's BBQ, that has since grown into an international empire.
Rasheed Phillips
Making his international culinary debut on what The New York Times ranked as one of the top shows of 2020, Rasheed Philips was a breakout star on Netflix’s American Barbeque Showdown. Although a newcomer to the competition side of BBQ, his culinary mantra “The basics perfected: Time, Temperature, and Technique” thrust Rasheed into the spotlight where he quickly became a fan favorite. Unsurprisingly, he soon cultivated a loyal social media base where his candid approach, humility, and personal charisma reached a wider audience.
Adam Perry Lang
Adam Perry Lang transformed traditional grilling, dry-aging and smoking after winning his first barbecue competition. The Culinary Institute of America grad is a New York Times bestselling author, national barbecue champion and known for applying French techniques to live fire cooking.
Holly Jubera

Food is not just about eating; it’s the communal experience that is shared with friends and family! Holly believes in creating delicious food that is not only mouthwatering but is also healthy and for all to enjoy!

Owning Thacker Mountain BBQ Supply has provided Holly with valuable insights into the world of barbecue and cooking. Collaborating with renowned pitmasters at various events has undoubtedly expanded her culinary horizons and has also allowed her to exchange ideas and techniques with some of the best in the business. She is always thrilled to experiment with new recipes and create unique dishes that satisfy all taste buds. Cooking is both a skill learned as well as her form of art and expression. Holly’s love for cooking, both meat-centric and vegetarian, has driven her to compete in various food sport competitions. She is proud of my achievements in the field of Food Sport.

Mary Cressler &
Sean Martin

Mary Cressler, a certified sommelier and award-winning wine, food, and travel writer, is the publisher of the blog Vindulge and author of the Fire + Wine cookbook. Her expertise spans BBQ, wine, and recipe development, featured in publications like Wine Enthusiast and Serious Eats. A frequent judge at wine competitions, Mary shares her culinary knowledge as a regular guest on Portland’s AM Northwest and through teaching wine and cooking classes. She resides with her family on a small farm in Oregon wine country.

Sean Martin co-owns Vindulge, a renowned outdoor cooking and lifestyle brand, and co-authored the Fire + Wine cookbook. Alongside his partner, Sean is a regular guest on Portland’s ABC affiliate AM Northwest and is featured in various global publications and cooking events. He enjoys cooking with his wife and co-founder, Mary Cressler, and their twin boys at their farm and studio in Hillsboro, Oregon.

David Rose

Chef David Rose is a seasoned culinary personality, celebrated for his appearances on daytime TV cooking segments, participation in national food and wine events, and competitive spirit on Food Network Star. Known for his culinary prowess and infectious humor, Chef Rose brings joy and exceptional cuisine wherever he goes.

Stan Hays

Stan Hays is the CEO and Co-founder of Operation BBQ Relief, serving over 9 million meals in 30 states to those in need. Hays has been featured on Chopped: Grill Masters Food Network Canada's Fire Masters and was recognized as a CNN Hero for his work with Operation BBQ Relief.

Misty Banchero

Misty Banchero, known as @SeattleButchersWife, hails from Seattle and has captivated social media with her passion for grilling. From live fire to pellet grill cooking, Misty empowers women globally to embrace the grill with confidence.

Matt Groark

Matt Groark of Medford Lakes is a physical education and health teacher, turned HS Culinary Instructor who launched his own barbeque business, Groark Boys BBQ in 2018. Married to his wife Kristin and a father of 2 boys Aidric (9) and Nash (7) he boasts 3.4 million followers on TikTok, 800,000 on YouTube, and 152,000 on Instagram. The teacher-turned cook is quickly making a name for himself following his television premiere on Season 2 of Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef! Upon returning home he is focused on his new position as a Culinary Arts teacher at his HS as well as continuing to grow his own businesses, including Rub City BBQ seasonings, Battle Tested BBQ Sauce, and the new streaming service EMBERS TV - his TikTok includes all types of cooking and barbeque tips, as well as other musings involving his family and daily life along with some day-to-day teacher tidbits!

Gary the BBQ Chef
The Drinking Chef with a BBQ Problem, his wild BBQ, cooking and cocktail videos are sure to get you laughing and drooling!! Gary rose to fame on social media and currently sits at 3.1 million followers overall and has also competed on ‘Next Level Chef’ with Gordon Ramsay, Richard Blais and Nyesha Arrington on FOX!
Rick Browne

Created, hosted and executive produced "Barbecue America," Rick Browne is a renowned photojournalist and author of 16 BBQ & Grilling cookbooks.

Mary Cressler &
Sean Martin
Mary Cressler, a certified sommelier and award-winning wine, food, and travel writer, is the publisher of the blog Vindulge and author of the Fire + Wine cookbook. Her expertise spans BBQ, wine, and recipe development, featured in publications like Wine Enthusiast and Serious Eats. A frequent judge at wine competitions, Mary shares her culinary knowledge as a regular guest on Portland’s AM Northwest and through teaching wine and cooking classes. She resides with her family on a small farm in Oregon wine country.

Sean Martin co-owns Vindulge, a renowned outdoor cooking and lifestyle brand, and co-authored the Fire + Wine cookbook. Alongside his partner, Sean is a regular guest on Portland’s ABC affiliate AM Northwest and is featured in various global publications and cooking events. He enjoys cooking with his wife and co-founder, Mary Cressler, and their twin boys at their farm and studio in Hillsboro, Oregon.

Holly Jubera
Food is not just about eating; it’s the communal experience that is shared with friends and family! Holly believes in creating delicious food that is not only mouthwatering but is also healthy and for all to enjoy!
Owning Thacker Mountain BBQ Supply has provided Holly with valuable insights into the world of barbecue and cooking. Collaborating with renowned pitmasters at various events has undoubtedly expanded her culinary horizons and has also allowed her to exchange ideas and techniques with some of the best in the business. She is always thrilled to experiment with new recipes and create unique dishes that satisfy all taste buds. Cooking is both a skill learned as well as her form of art and expression. Holly’s love for cooking, both meat-centric and vegetarian, has driven her to compete in various food sport competitions. She is proud of my achievements in the field of Food Sport.
David Rose
Chef David Rose is a seasoned culinary personality, celebrated for his appearances on daytime TV cooking segments, participation in national food and wine events, and competitive spirit on Food Network Star. Known for his culinary prowess and infectious humor, Chef Rose brings joy and exceptional cuisine wherever he goes.
Stan Hays
Stan Hays is the CEO and Co-founder of Operation BBQ Relief, serving over 9 million meals in 30 states to those in need. Hays has been featured on Chopped: Grill Masters Food Network Canada's Fire Masters and was recognized as a CNN Hero for his work with Operation BBQ Relief.
Alex Belew
Chef Alex Belew's culinary journey began in the heart of the South, where he cherished weekends spent in his grandmother’s kitchen in Rover, Tennessee, learning the art of Southern cooking. After graduating with honors from The Art Institute of Tennessee, Nashville, he immersed himself in top kitchens including Husk by Sean Brock, shaping his passion for creating memorable dining experiences. In 2007, Alex Belew Catering was born, driven by his vision to elevate in-home dining to rival restaurant standards. Transitioning to education in 2012, Belew mentored high school students in Middle Tennessee, pioneering an acclaimed culinary program that led to multiple wins, including the prestigious NRA Prostart Championship. A transformative visit to Chef Curtis Duffy’s Grace Restaurant in 2014 redefined his culinary philosophy, inspiring him to pursue excellence in every dish. His dedication paid off with numerous culinary awards across the South, culminating in the 2018 opening of his acclaimed restaurant, Dallas & Jane, in Murfreesboro. Paying homage to his grandparents, the restaurant swiftly garnered acclaim as the Best Restaurant in Rutherford County.
Gary the BBQ Chef
Gary the BBQ Chef is a social media sensation with amassing millions of followers. The barbecue personality appeared on Season One of Fox’s Next Level Chef.

Misty Banchero
Misty Banchero, known as @SeattleButchersWife, hails from Seattle and has captivated social media with her passion for grilling. From live fire to pellet grill cooking, Misty empowers women globally to embrace the grill with confidence.
Matt Groark
Matt Groark of Medford Lakes is a physical education and health teacher, turned HS Culinary Instructor who launched his own barbeque business, Groark Boys BBQ in 2018. Married to his wife Kristin and a father of 2 boys Aidric (9) and Nash (7) he boasts 3.4 million followers on TikTok, 800,000 on YouTube, and 152,000 on Instagram. The teacher-turned cook is quickly making a name for himself following his television premiere on Season 2 of Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef! Upon returning home he is focused on his new position as a Culinary Arts teacher at his HS as well as continuing to grow his own businesses, including Rub City BBQ seasonings, Battle Tested BBQ Sauce, and the new streaming service EMBERS TV - his TikTok includes all types of cooking and barbeque tips, as well as other musings involving his family and daily life along with some day-to-day teacher tidbits!
Rick Browne

Created, hosted and executive produced "Barbecue America," Rick Browne is a renowned photojournalist and author of 16 BBQ & Grilling cookbooks.

Emcees

Deanna Colon
Deanna Colón, born and raised in a Boston Italian restaurant owned by her parents, learned traditional Italian recipes and techniques from a young age. She gained recognition by auditioning with homemade Lobster & Crab Ravioli in a Cream sauce for MasterChef Season 10, securing a place in the Top 20. Deanna is now a respected chef and judge on Hot Mess Express, creates content for Tastemade, and teaches cooking classes both privately and virtually. She resides in Las Vegas with her husband and six dogs, collaborating with brands like Sphericator, Imperfect Foods, and OneHope Wine.

D'Andra Simmons
D’Andra Simmons is a seasoned businesswoman with over 25 years in the beauty and nutritional industries, renowned as the founder/CEO of Hard Night Good Morning skincare and CEO/owner of Ultimate Living International Inc. As a prominent figure on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Dallas and co-host of the “I Don’t Give a Rip” podcast on YEA Networks, D’Andra has garnered national acclaim. She has been featured in People magazine’s “Real Beauty at Every Age” and “Most Beautiful” issues, appeared on numerous television shows including Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, and has been highlighted in Forbes, W Magazine, and Entertainment Tonight, among others. D’Andra is also a member of SAG/AFTRA and AEA.

Deanna Colon

Deanna Colón, born and raised in a Boston Italian restaurant owned by her parents, learned traditional Italian recipes and techniques from a young age. She gained recognition by auditioning with homemade Lobster & Crab Ravioli in a Cream sauce for MasterChef Season 10, securing a place in the Top 20. Deanna is now a respected chef and judge on Hot Mess Express, creates content for Tastemade, and teaches cooking classes both privately and virtually. She resides in Las Vegas with her husband and six dogs, collaborating with brands like Sphericator, Imperfect Foods, and OneHope Wine.

D'Andra Simmons

D’Andra Simmons is a seasoned businesswoman with over 25 years in the beauty and nutritional industries, renowned as the founder/CEO of Hard Night Good Morning skincare and CEO/owner of Ultimate Living International Inc. As a prominent figure on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Dallas and co-host of the “I Don’t Give a Rip” podcast on YEA Networks, D’Andra has garnered national acclaim. She has been featured in People magazine’s “Real Beauty at Every Age” and “Most Beautiful” issues, appeared on numerous television shows including Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, and has been highlighted in Forbes, W Magazine, and Entertainment Tonight, among others. D’Andra is also a member of SAG/AFTRA and AEA.

Please Note

Must be 21 years of age or older with valid government-issued identification to attend the Party with the Pitmasters: Celebrity Chef Dine-Around. Schedule and events are subject to change.