News Summary
The Shed barbecue team dominated the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, winning both the Whole Hog and overall Grand Prize on May 18, 2024. This prestigious culinary event is a key part of the Memphis in May International Festival, celebrating local food culture and attracting teams from worldwide. The festival also recently initiated the nomination process for the Best Barbecue in Memphis Bracket, fostering community engagement. Looking ahead, a new steak cookoff competition is set for May 2025, highlighting Memphis’s rich barbecue traditions.
Memphis – The Shed barbecue team triumphed at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, clinching both the Whole Hog and overall Grand Prize on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Liberty Park. This prestigious event has long been a highlight of the Memphis in May International Festival, attracting barbecue enthusiasts and competitors from around the globe.
This year, the contest showcased the skills of numerous teams as they vied for a reputation that extends beyond mere accolades. The Shed’s victory adds to their illustrious history in the renowned barbecue scene of Memphis, a city celebrated for its rich culinary traditions and love for barbecue.
The Memphis in May International Festival, which has been hosting major barbecue competitions for several years, is not only a celebration of food but also a cultural landmark for the community. It features events that celebrate the traditions and flavors of the region while promoting tourism and local pride.
In conjunction with the barbecue contest, the nomination process for the Best Barbecue in Memphis Bracket commenced on April 28 and concluded at noon on May 1. The field of 16 competing teams was announced on May 8, as food lovers prepared to cast their votes. Voting began on May 12 and will continue until a winner is declared on June 6, accompanied by a feature story that celebrates the best in Memphis barbecue.
Looking ahead, the Memphis in May International Festival plans on expanding its culinary offerings with the inaugural steak cookoff competition set for next year. Scheduled for Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Liberty Park, the new event will feature a total prize purse of $6,000, with prizes for the top four finishers: $3,000 for first place, $1,500 for second, $1,000 for third, and $500 for fourth. Registration for participating teams in this new cookoff will cost $150 each.
Notably, the first-place team of the steak cookoff will earn an automatic entry into the March 2026 Steak Cookoff Association World Championship, a prestigious event held in Fort Worth, Texas, further emphasizing the significance of competitive cooking in Memphis.
As Memphis continues to host these exciting culinary events, locals and visitors are encouraged to celebrate and participate in the barbecue culture that is synonymous with the city. The current weather conditions in Memphis feature increasing clouds with a high of 68ยฐF and winds from the northwest at 5 to 10 mph, adding to the pleasant atmosphere for outdoor festivities.
In summary, the recent accomplishments of The Shed barbecue team and the upcoming steak cookoff represent not just competition, but a celebration of community, culinary excellence, and tradition in Memphis. The Memphis in May International Festival remains a cornerstone of this vibrant culture, promising various mouth-watering events for food enthusiasts in the years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Memphian
- Wikipedia: Memphis
- Commercial Appeal
- Google Search: Memphis in May
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue in Memphis
- Memphis Flyer
- Google News: Barbecue Competitions in Memphis
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
