The Smoke Sheet

The Smoke Sheet A weekly newsletter featuring the latest in barbecue news, recipes, events, and more.

The World Series of Barbecue is moving to a new home this fall, and since the announcement, a lot of questions have been...
05/20/2026

The World Series of Barbecue is moving to a new home this fall, and since the announcement, a lot of questions have been swirling.

We sat down with American Royal Association CEO Pat Macy to answer them. What will the new KCK campus look like for competitors and fans? How many Kansas City Barbeque Society teams are expected? What does owning the date mean for the future of the event? And what does he think of the new BBQ World Cup?

Pat gets into all of it. The World Series of Barbecue is slated for September 30 through October 4 at the new campus, and this is your best look yet at what people should expect from one of the largest BBQ events of the year.

Link in the comments below.

05/06/2026

For this week’s issue, Sean sat down with legendary comedian and actor to talk about his new BBQ cookbook w/ . The book, out this week, explores barbecue stories, restaurants, and recipes from all over the country. Thanks Cedric for the great conversation on all things BBQ, and be sure to check out the full Q&A. Link in bio.

The Carolina BBQ Festival just wrapped its fifth year in Charlotte, and by every measure, it's become one of the South's...
04/29/2026

The Carolina BBQ Festival just wrapped its fifth year in Charlotte, and by every measure, it's become one of the South's essential spring barbecue events.

This week in The Smoke Sheet, guest writer Michael "Chigger" Willard (host of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show) takes us inside the weekend. From party wings via Lawrence Barbecue to perfect ribs from Bryan Furman to a beef and cheddar sandwich from Swig & Swine that one attendee called "a warm taste of heaven," the 2026 edition had no shortage of standout bites.

The fest also raised over $60,000 for Operation BBQ Relief and other charities, proof that great BBQ and good causes go hand in hand.

Read the full recap in this week's issue in the link below!

Have you been to Mama Jean's Barbecue in Roanoke, Virginia?In this week's Smoke Sheet, guest writer John Tanner shares h...
04/22/2026

Have you been to Mama Jean's Barbecue in Roanoke, Virginia?

In this week's Smoke Sheet, guest writer John Tanner shares his long-awaited visit to one of the South's 50 best barbecue restaurants, according to Robert Moss. John tried the pork, brisket, ribs, and more. He was most impressed by the ribs, which he calls the best he's had anywhere in Virginia.

He also notes that Mama Jean's holds the Campaign for Real Barbecue certification, meaning they cook exclusively with wood.

Read John's full review at the link below. And if you've been to Mama Jean's, let us know what you ordered in the comments.

Spring is here, and BBQ season is officially in full swing. We put together a spring prep checklist to help you start st...
04/15/2026

Spring is here, and BBQ season is officially in full swing. We put together a spring prep checklist to help you start strong: from giving your smoker a proper cleaning to stocking up on affordable cuts like pork shoulder before summer prices kick in, exploring new wood combinations, and planning a trip to events like Brisket King NYC, Memphis in May International Festival, or Windy City Smokeout - Country Music & BBQ Festival.

Whether you're a backyard cook or a competition regular, now is the time to get dialed in. Read the full article at the link below.

The 2026 National Barbecue & Grilling Association Conference & 35th Anniversary Celebration did not disappoint.Four days...
04/08/2026

The 2026 National Barbecue & Grilling Association Conference & 35th Anniversary Celebration did not disappoint.

Four days at the historic Travellers Rest property brought together some of the best in the BBQ world — Carey Bringle of Peg Leg Porker, Kent Black of Black's BBQ, Tuffy Stone, Mark Lambert, and more — for a conference that covered everything from securing funding and pricing your menu to building a personal brand and getting your product on store shelves.

Full recap from Bre Via of Smoke 'n Magic is live in the latest issue of The Smoke Sheet. Link below!

In today's issue, we sat down with Jason Ganahl, the pitmaster and founder of GQue in Denver, ahead of the April 7 relea...
04/01/2026

In today's issue, we sat down with Jason Ganahl, the pitmaster and founder of GQue in Denver, ahead of the April 7 release of his debut cookbook G-Que Barbeque.

Jason's story is a great one. He's a St. Louis kid who moved to Colorado, stumbled onto a KCBS festival in the mountains, and eventually turned a 2,400-square-foot strip mall spot into a multi-location BBQ operation with stadium concessions, a food stall near Coors Field, and now a nearly 300-page cookbook.

In the interview, he dives into the expansion lessons that took him a decade to learn, how inflation has forced a hard brisket decision, and much more.

Full Q&A in the link below.

If American barbecue has a spiritual capital, Memphis makes a strong case. 🔥The city is home to one of the four major re...
03/25/2026

If American barbecue has a spiritual capital, Memphis makes a strong case. 🔥

The city is home to one of the four major regional BBQ traditions in the U.S., and it's still often overlooked in favor of Texas or the Carolinas. Our latest guide gives you a quick look at the legendary joints that have been feeding Memphis for generations: Charlie Vergos Rendezvous, Payne's BBQ, Cozy Corner BBQ, The Bar-B-Q Shop (birthplace of BBQ spaghetti!), and more.

No matter how you season or sauce your BBQ, this is essential reading for any serious barbecue lover.

Read the full guide at the link below and let us know: What's your favorite spot in Memphis?

. co-owner has been through it — near-death emergency colon cancer surgery, two rounds of chemo, and recurrences. And h...
03/18/2026

. co-owner has been through it — near-death emergency colon cancer surgery, two rounds of chemo, and recurrences. And he’s sharing all of it publicly so you’ll go get checked.

For Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, sat down with Terry for an honest conversation about his diagnosis, his recovery, and why he’s urging everyone in the BBQ community to get a colonoscopy by age 40, especially if you have a family history or GI concerns.

The BBQ community has been hit hard by this disease. Terry isn’t the only one. Our own co-founder is a survivor too. It’s time we talk about it. Early detection saves lives.

Link in bio to read the full Q&A.

It's Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and we have an important story to share.Blood Bros. BBQ co-owner Terry Wong near...
03/18/2026

It's Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and we have an important story to share.

Blood Bros. BBQ co-owner Terry Wong nearly lost his life to colon cancer in 2022. He went into septic shock during emergency surgery, had a colostomy bag for nearly a year, went through two rounds of chemotherapy, and faced multiple recurrences. Today he's cancer-free, and he's speaking out.

In our latest Q&A, Terry opens up about his harrowing journey, how his lifestyle before diagnosis may have contributed to his risk, and why he's urging everyone, especially in the BBQ community, to get screened early. His message: if colon cancer runs in your family, or if your diet and habits haven't been great, don't wait until 45. Get checked by 40.

The Smoke Sheet co-founder Ryan Cooper is also a colorectal cancer survivor and joins Terry in this call to action. This disease has touched far too many people in our community, including pitmasters and restaurateurs across the country.

Read the full story at the link below, and we encourage folks to donate to great organizations like the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

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