An Inaugural Success in Wake Forest

When I arrived in Wake Forest, NC, for a barbecue cookoff, I followed the signs for “Judges Parking.” As I exited my car, the attendant greeted me with “Good morning, Your Honor.”

Because I looked quizzically at him, he asked, “You are a judge, right?” “Oh yes,” I said, realizing that his greeting was his way to confirm I was authorized to park in the lot reserved for contest judges. This encounter was the first of many with contest organizers and volunteers that was very cordial and friendly, a mark of a great contest.

Judges who arrived early relax in the taproom (but no beer) next to the exposed brew house.

At White Street Barbecue Experience, I was continually greeted in such a positive manner, a surprise because this event is its inaugural one. For its first cookoff, the contest was structured as a “backyard” cookoff and competition was limited to two categories: ribs and chicken. However, the contest offered more than $13,000 in prize money, a large sum for any event particularly a backyard contest. Slow Smokers was declared the grand champion after placing first in ribs and second in chicken.

Voting for the People's Choice contest was a popular activity of the event.

The contest takes its name from White Street Brewery Company, the sponsoring organization, which opened for business in 2012 in a 1930s car dealership that was transformed into a production brewery. The building retains its century-old original character. All judging activities took place in the large taproom with exposed bricks, beams and brew house. Customers at the oak bar enjoyed sipping their craft beer and looking on as barbecue entries were judged.

Oinkers BBQ placed third in the ribs category.

The heart of downtown Wake Forest was blocked off for a day-long BBQ block party, and it was well attended. Music, demonstrations, vendor food, and a people’s choice contest kept the crowd amply entertained and fed. In addition, beer trucks were strategically placed throughout the festival area and always seemed to have someone standing in line.

Judging activities took place inside White Street Brewery Company.

For its inaugural event, White Street Barbecue Experience was very successful and popular. With such a solid foundation, the cookoff is ready to turn “professional” and permit the teams to compete in all four meat categories standard in events sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.

Cooking teams set up in areas off White Street in downtown Wake Forest. 

Taproom customers unwind as judging activities conclude.