After being interested in backyard BAR.B.Qing for a long time, I was invited to the Evansville riverfront to a BAR.B.Q contest. It was a contest which was judged on the “Memphis in May” style of BAR.B.Q, which is cooking meat at a low temperature during a long period of time. After being shown the ropes on what goes on during a contest, I was hooked.

The next year I was invited to join the “The Flying Pigs” team which is a 12-member team of friends and family. We have been cooking together for about 9 years. We have had many successes during our BAR.B.Qing experience: cooking at Memphis in May, being invited to the “Lick Our Chops” contest at the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg, TN, being the Illinois State Champions, and placing in many contests throughout the years in all three categories: Shoulder division, Rib division, and Whole Hog division.

Having fallen in love with Memphis style BAR.B.Q, I have become a certified judge going around to many different contests. Throughout these years on the BAR.B.Q circuit, I have met and made many good friends. We have swapped many stories, recipes and ideas. The experience of competing, judging, and forming these friendships has helped me create a fun, family, casual dining experience where my customers can enjoy true Memphis style BAR.B.Q.

I trust the BAR.B.Q SHACK experience will make you want to come back time and time again… remember: low and slow!

And here we are today.
Thank you for your business!
Michael Stepto