American Royal World Series of Barbecue
The 41st annual contest was back this year in Kansas City after taking a break last year. We were so excited to see so many great pitmasters gather together in the name of barbecue, for a great cause. Did you know this event is the largest barbecue contest in the world and the American Royal’s largest fundraiser? Every penny raised goes straight to supporting youth education and agricultural programs. Here were some highlights from the event of teams that sported #CheshirePork. Take a look!
Chad Trimble and David Bouska
Dad’s Grilling Crew
Chad himself has been competing since 2013 and this year he competed with his friend and mentor, David Bouska. We had the privilege of getting to chat with Chad about his and David’s experience at this years KC Royal competition. In the words of Chad himself, “The American Royal is like no other BBQ contest. It is the world’s largest BBQ contest. Friday nights are all about the BBQ family getting together and celebrating. There may be as many as 100 thousand people that attend on Friday nights and then a huge fireworks display.” Together they grilled up some some #CheshirePork CT Butts for one heck of a weekend! Take a look at some more insight from Chad and David as to why they utilize Cheshire Pork.
What got you interested in the world of BBQ?
“I really love food and found BBQ to be very different depending on which area of the country you are visiting. I became a certified Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) judge in 2008, and a master judge in 2011. I was hooked!”
What’s your go-to Cheshire Pork product?
“That would probably be the pork butt or shoulder, and now we’ve been working with the pork collar trim.”
Why Cheshire Pork?
“For me that would be consistency, size, marbling and availability, and not to mention it comes from the United States.”
John Richmond and Steve O’Neal
We also got the opportunity to talk with John about his and Steve’s experience at this years American Royal. He said he became interested in competing after he had helped a friend of his compete at the American Royal years before. He states, “I have always been interested in food and a food competition just seemed like so much fun. I immediately got a smoker and have been competing since 2007.” Their team consists of three men, John, Steve, and another man Jesse Waller, who unfortunately could not join them this year. This year made for their 14th year competing in the American Royal! So what is the experience like? In the words of John himself, “The American Royal is a great contest. Almost 500 teams, a beautiful venue (on the infield at the Kansas Speedway NASCAR track) and big crowds makes for an exciting contest. It is also a marathon with potentially 14 categories to compete in over two days. It's the best contest of the year.”
For John and Steve, why Cheshire Pork?
“I love Cheshire Pork products. The taste is just far superior to other pork products in my opinion. I have used the Ribs and Pork Butt products with great success.
It all comes down to a better tasting product. The higher fat content of this pork just makes it so much more tasty than other brands. I don't think you can get a better Rib or Pork Butt.”
Congratulations competitors and thanks for including #CheshirePork in your experience at this year’s American Royal!