A legendary partnership is born once again as Famous Dave’s is set to team up with the World Food Championships for a coast-to-coast celebration of America’s top pitmasters. The highlights of this year’s partnership include the return of Famous Dave’s All-Star BBQ Series for a third consecutive year. This year’s series will travel to ten Famous Dave’s locations across the country, igniting the flames of competition and community to find the nation’s best backyard and professional pitmasters.
| Stop 1: Indianapolis, May 3 | Stop 2: Fresno, May 31 | Stop 3: Modesto, June 7 | Stop 4: Colorado Springs, June 14 | Stop 5: Rancho Cucamonga, June 21 | Stop 6: Las Vegas, June 28 | Stop 7: Taylor, July 19 | Stop 8: El Paso, July 26 | Stop 9: Minnetonka, August 16 | Stop 10: Union Gap, August 23 |
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Each stop on the tour will feature local and regional barbecue masters battling it out in a three-category cook-off: chicken, ribs, and a wild card entry. Judges will include local celebrities, barbecue experts, and Famous Dave’s franchise owners, using the E.A.T. Methology in a live, open judging format. This year’s series will carry even greater weight, as Famous Dave’s has been named the Official Barbecue Category Sponsor of the 2025 World Food Championships, set to take place in Indianapolis this October. The event will showcase the nation’s best pitmasters competing for over $450,000 in cash and prizes. A dream come true for Famous Dave’s, this partnership brings together the brand’s passion for smoked meats, competitions, and community, with the World Food Championships‘ mission of showcasing the best in Food Sport. As part of the partnership, Famous Dave’s co-founder Dave Anderson will serve as a Master Judge at select events throughout the tour. Anderson‘s passion and legacy are the heart of the brand, bringing an unmatched enthusiasm and deep appreciation for the barbecue community. Joining him will be Harry Soo, a barbecue icon and founder of Slap Yo Daddy BBQ, BBQ Pitmasters champion, and one of the most respected names in the food sport world. Soo‘s presence as a Master Judge brings a level of prestige, fairness, and technical insight to the judging table, honed through more than 100 BBQ awards and a global following of fans and aspiring pitmasters. “Barbecue is in our bonessaid Anderson. “From the very beginning, Famous Dave’s was born out of a love for smoked meats, competitions, and community. To now see that same spirit carried forward through our partnership with the WFC – on a national stage – is a dream come true.”
As the series progresses, guests at each Famous Dave’s location can attend the events for free, sampling barbecue wings prepared by the competitors, enjoying Kurvball Original Barbecue Whiskey, picking up commemorative swag, and celebrating with great food, music, and community. The partnership between Famous Dave’s and the World Food Championships is a testament to the power of barbecue to bring people together and create lasting memories. As Famous Dave’s continues to innovate and push the boundaries of barbecue excellence, this partnership serves as a shining example of the brand’s commitment to the craft, its community, and the pursuit of greatness.
