Rib vendors ready to win hearts (and stomachs)
Written by Aya Khalil | | news@toledofreepress.comRib vendors are gearing up for Smoke on The Water – Ribs for the Red Cross. Twelve rib vendors will sell ribs throughout the event, July 31 through Aug. 2. Last year, there were seven vendors.
The Famous Dave’s pulled-pork-eating contest will take place at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 1 to see who can devour the most pulled pork out of a 3-pound stack in 10 minutes. To sign up for the contest, visit Famous Dave’s.
Last year’s winner, Mark Griesmer, will return to defend his title, which will net a $500 prize package.
“It was disgusting and amazing at the same time,” said Jodie Tienvieri, communications manager at the Red Cross.
Aside from the eating contest, rib judging will take place.
Mark Griesmer won last year's pulled-pork eating contest.
Eleven judges will taste unmarked ribs and choose first-, second- and third-place winners. Attendees will be able to vote for their favorite ribs at the Red Cross booth, Tienvieri said.
Some of the vendors will be from out of the state, including Virginia, Texas, Illinois and Michigan.
Brad Jennings, owner of AJ Doolittle’s in Lambertville, is participating this year.
“We’re preparing,” he said. “That’s all I can really say. We put in lots of hours and lots of time, but we’ll be ready for it.”
Jennings said AJ Doolittle’s is famous for its barbecue sauce and will show off its St. Louis style ribs.
Famous Dave’s, which placed third in the People’s Choice awards last year, is ready to compete again.
“Dave Anderson, the founder, took him 25 years to create his recipes,” said Ben Byard, one of the managers.
“We use secret ingredients that no one knows about,” Byard said. “We smoke our ribs at the restaurant; we use an actual smoker. That’s what makes our ribs so delicious.”
“I think we will [win] — actually, I know we will,” he said.
Dan Johnson, owner of Johnson’s BBQ from Chesapeake, Va., is looking forward to returning to the event. He said his ribs are unique.
“We use a special rub, cook it for five hours, take it off and put barbecue sauce on it,” he said.
Johnson said his restaurant has won 400 awards in the past five years.
“Everyone there is good. Everyone is coming with the anticipation to win. May the best man or lady win,” Johnson said.
“I enjoy coming to Toledo. I think it’s going to be a great event,” he said.
Vendors
- AJ Doolittle’s, Lambertville
- Bad Bob’s BBQ, Rossford
- Big Moe’s BBQ, Kalamazoo, Mich.
- Black Kettle BarBeQue, Toledo
- Chicago BBQ Co., Burr Ridge, Ill.
- Famous Dave’s, Toledo
- Johnson’s BBQ, Chesapeake, Va.
- Po Mo’s, Toledo
- Sidelines, Toledo
- Texas Roadhouse, Holland
- Texas Thunder, Euless, Texas
- Tom’s BBQ and Grill, Toledo
Judges
- Amy Davis (K100)
- Ryan Fowler (Channel 24)
- Tony Geftos (Channel 13)
- Shaun Hegarty (FOX Toledo)
- Chris Hanley (Toledo Zoo)
- Chris Kozak (Columbia Gas)
- Michael Miller (Toledo Free Press)
- Mud Hens player or representative
- George Sarantou (City council)
- Lisa R. Ward (Glass City Jungle)
- Tim Yenrick (Red Cross)
