UNION GAP, Wash. – If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, Famous Dave’s is partnering with the World Food Championships for the second annual All-Star BBQ Series in Union Gap on May 18.
According to Union Gap General Manager Jill Lennartz, the competition is in its second year and 2024 is the first time it has been held in Union Gap.
Lennartz said there are few BBQ competitions in the Yakima Valley. Six teams will compete in three categories: chicken, ribs, and a wild card. The wild card could be anything from another protein to a dessert.
The best part is that this is free to the community and is a family-friendly event.
“Famous Dave’s will be hosting kids’ games,” said Lennartz. ” A coloring contest, where the winners will receive an apron signed by Famous Dave’s founder Dave Anderson.”
She told me Dave Anderson would be at the event.
Mike Massine, the Franchise Business Consultant for Famous Dave’s, said Pitmasters will be judged according to appearance and taste.
“Does it have a nice bark on it? Nice color? Does it look the way it’s suppose to? What’s it taste like? Then they’re going to be judged on the execution and the execution part,” Massine said. “This is the biggest part for them. If they say it has a pecan flavor to it or a Cherrywood or something like that. If the judges don’t take that taste into consideration, they lose points on that. So it’s really important for the competitors to make sure whatever they’re saying, is going to taste like and look like it’s 100% spot on.”
Massine said there will be giveaways every 30 minutes. All six teams will also make wings for people to vote on.
The overall winner of the competition will receive a golden ticket to go to Indianapolis to compete against other Pitmasters from across the county for a prize of $300,000.
The completion kicks off Saturday, May 18, at 11 a.m. from the Famous Dave’s parking lot in Union Gap.
