News Summary
Local BBQ teams from North Georgia showcased their talent at the Honeybee Festival BBQ Classic and the High On The Hog BBQ Festival. The Grillbilly’s BBQ Team achieved notable rankings, while community favorites prepare for the upcoming Beast Feast BBQ Festival. Recent health inspections revealed mixed results for local eateries, sparking conversations about food safety standards in the community. Meanwhile, Wardlaw’s Lucky Eye Q in LaFayette continues to draw BBQ lovers with its outstanding offerings.
LaFayette, GA
Local BBQ teams in North Georgia showcased their culinary skills in recent competitions, with notable performances at the Honeybee Festival BBQ Classic and the High On The Hog BBQ Festival. BBQ enthusiasts are riding a wave of successful event participation and impressive health inspection results from various establishments.
Competition Highlights
The Grillbilly’s BBQ Team, consisting of members Billy Holland and Jason Pendley, secured fifth place overall in the Backyard Division at the Honeybee Festival BBQ Classic held in LaFayette, GA. Mr. Holland’s pork spare ribs earned a seventh-place ranking in the same competition, marking a significant achievement for the team. Meanwhile, Mr. Pendley’s chicken entry achieved a remarkable score of 180 from a panel of six judges, earning him the prestigious 180 Pin from The Kansas City BBQ Society. This recognition is awarded for perfect scores in specified protein categories.
Additionally, the BBQ festivities continue this Sunday at the Beast Feast BBQ Festival, taking place at the First Horizon Pavilion within the Chattanooga Market. Barton Creek Farms is set to smoke a 100-pound steamship cut of beef for attendees to sample, promising a delicious experience for BBQ aficionados.
At the High On The Hog BBQ Festival in Winchester, TN, the Mind If I Smoke BBQ team, represented by Michael Williams and Jason Pendley, earned third place, with Mr. Williams’ spare ribs gaining notable acclaim. This continues the trend of local teams excelling on the BBQ circuit.
Health Inspection Report
The week ending May 20 featured notable low scores, such as El Rey Taqueria, which obtained a disappointing score of 72, citing several critical food safety violations. Other establishments including Plant Power Cafe & Juice Bar and Las Calentanas Snack Bar received scores of 80 and 81, respectively, also highlighting various health code infractions. Choo Choo BBQ Smokehouse on Highway 58 earned a score of 71, with significant concerns about food handling and cleanliness raised during the inspection process.
On a more positive note, eleven food stands at the North Georgia Fair in Whitfield County achieved perfect scores during their inspections, reflecting high compliance with health standards. Additionally, local eateries such as Cloud Nine and Domino’s also received perfect scores, promoting confidence among patrons regarding their food safety practices.
Local BBQ Scene and Community Engagement
Amidst the competition successes, Wardlaw’s Lucky Eye Q in LaFayette has become a popular destination for traditional BBQ lovers. Renowned for its high-quality brisket and exceptional customer service, the establishment operates from Thursday to Saturday, drawing in locals and visitors alike.
The community is encouraged to engage with local health departments for inquiries or complaints related to the health and safety of restaurants and food vendors. With the continuous achievements of local BBQ teams and the community’s dedication to upholding health standards, North Georgia remains a vibrant hub for BBQ lovers and culinary competitions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga Celebrates Community at Inaugural BBQ Music Festival
Ruby Falls Celebrates 95 Years with Community Events
Chattanooga Celebrates Health and Community Engagement
10th Annual Battle Below the Clouds BBQ Fundraiser in Chattanooga
Chattanooga Events: April 27 – May 3, 2025
Food Safety Scores Released for Chattanooga Area
Chef Erik Niel Celebrates 25 Years in Chattanooga’s Culinary Scene
Tennessee Launches Tour to Celebrate Black-Owned Businesses
Local Manteca Restaurant Thrives Amid TikTok Ban Concerns
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: White liquid labeled corn, no hand washing
- Wikipedia: Food safety
- Local 3 News: Local BBQ restaurant almost fails inspection
- Google Search: BBQ restaurant inspection
- News Channel 9: Experience love through BBQ at Wardlaw’s Lucky Eye Q
- Google Scholar: BBQ competition
- Times Free Press: Snake in the kitchen, bare-handed food contact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant health inspections
- Local 3 News: Restaurants excel during inspections
- Google News: BBQ Festival
