Memphis Barbecue Tradition Highlighted by World Champion Chef

Memphis, Tennessee is celebrated for its pork‑centric barbecue, featuring both dry‑rubbed and sauce‑slathered ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. The city hosts the annual Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, drawing pitmasters worldwide.

Local experts such as pitmaster Ernie Mellor, owner of Hog Wild BBQ, explain that authentic Memphis barbecue originated in backyards and African‑American farms, with pork shoulder being the staple. Over the past four decades, dry rubs have grown in popularity, often applied before cooking or sprinkled on hot meat for extra flavor. World champion Melissa Cookston, a seven‑time winner and owner of Memphis BBQ Co., underscores the blend of tradition and innovation that defines the city’s barbecue scene.