Testimonials

” Was there for the first two rounds of judging, Curt. After that, I was just too full to continue. Had a blast, though. Thanks so much for the opportunity to participate.”

- Ari Cohn, City of Chandler reporter,East Valley Tribune

“First Annual Chandler BBQ Festival was a delight for all of the true fans of outstanding BBQ. This unique event brought BBQ competition teams from all over the valley. This was no “come-stuff-your-face-with-everything” event. Rather, this was a serious competition for serious competitors. Featuring the sweet, tang, smoke and “bark” of everything BBQ, the judged competition saw chicken, brisket, ribs and pork all vying for top “Q”. The big winner was Sweet Pepper who nearly drowned the competition. In going around and sampling something from just about every competing team, I must say that these groups of competing BBQ team are tough competitors and take their BBQ business very seriously. The proof was in the ‘Q’. With fantastic weather and a thoughtfully laid-out venue, our entire family is looking forward to going back for next year’s event.”

- Lynette Carrington, Lifestyle Editor, Arizona Sports & Lifestyle Magazine

“Wow, what a great time we had at the 1st annual Downtown Chandler BBQ Throwdown. This was definitely one of the best BBQ competitions that my wife and I have ever had the opportunity to attend. Minus the sprinklers going off on contestants row at midnight, everything was perfect (and that sprinkler incident will be laughed about for years to come). Having ice, water and ash disposal so readily available is such a major asset for the competition teams. From a competitor’s view, it was a great contest and well worth the trip.

It should also be noted that the vendors were great. It was very nice to have our guests find such phenomenal food at this event, especially when it was priced just right. The Chilly Chicks shaved ice and Senor Taco were favorites of many of the general public. We also heard a lot of great discussion about Whiskey Ranch BBQ and sure wish we had the opportunity to taste it. Heck, it might have even helped us a bit on the competition side.

Our family and friends also attended the event and had such a wonderful time. According to them, from an attendee standpoint this was a phenomenal event. It’s obvious that a lot of work went in to the preparation and planning of the 1st annual Chandler BBQ Throwdown. Hopefully, there will be another BBQ competition soon in the city of Chandler. I know for a fact that VRM Pit Crew, and our friends and family, will be in attendance.

Thanks again for assisting in putting on such a fun and family friendly event.”

- Crash and Lisa DeJournett, BBQ Competitors

“As a vendor of a small company in Chandler, it is hard sometimes to swallow the entry fee not knowing if you will sell enough product to cover your costs. The Chandler BBQ Throwdown exceeded our expectations not only covering the cost, but we sold out of several of our chili pepper spices and BBQ sauces. This event was wildly successful and we will definitely do it again next year! Thanks for inviting us.”

- Lance Anthony, Anthony Spices, LLC

“Just wanted to take a quick moment to shoot you a note about the Chandler BBQ event my wife and I attended last weekend.

As you know over the past few years we have attended many BBQ events here in Arizona. I can honestly say the Chandler event was once of the best. Not to put down any other event but this event just seemed to have a good vibe. Maybe it was the band playing great music, maybe it was the kids laughing in the “kids corral” area, and maybe it was just the smell of fine BBQ smoke floating on the breeze, what ever it was it sure made for a very enjoyable day.

My wife and I arrived early and while it appeared the city of Chandler was in the middle of some sort of road construction project we quickly found parking and made the easy walk to the event area. The event area was nicely set up and organized. Walking around the event area we were able to see the various venders and competitors getting ready for what promised to be a busy day. As we walked around we found our selves being funneled toward the stage area. The band had just begun to play and while I do not know the bands name they were great.

Most of the competitors were very busy as you might expect on the morning of the “Big Day” but were friendly and some were even quite talkative despite having the “I’ve been up all night tending the fire” look in their tired eye.

We did not really participate in the “peoples choice” portion, but the lines we saw were really no longer than any other line I have had to stand in at any event of this size. Ever seen the bathroom lines at ANY major stadium event? The few samples we did get were very much, in my humble certified BBQ judge opinion, very good. Not that chillis fall off the bone fake BBQ that passes for BBQ these days.

Once again I just want to say how much we enjoyed the Chandler BBQ event and hope that it will be back next year!”

- Ralph Wilcken, Event Attendee

“As a competitor this was by far one of the better events that I have been a part of. I think the people were great and enjoyed themselves. I know my wife and I had a great time.

I would like to personally thank Jennifer Duncan for allowing my wife and I to be part of such a well organized operation. That lady has truly got her stuff together when it comes to BBQ for sure. I think what I liked was the interaction she does with the spectators when were doing turn-ins, she does them right in front of the people and it becomes quite a show, people would leave lines to come watch us with our turn ins it was awesome.

Next I would like to thank Ramón who was our Boys and Girls club team member I say that because he jumped right in and became one of us. He did everything from help us decide what meat to turn in by doing a taste test to carry the turn in box to the judges to handing out samples. Way to go Ramón I just wish you didn’t have to work that day so that you could have been part of our celebration when we walked in brisket.

Mike and Tom you guys are the best you have spoiled all of us and you just keep doing it better every time. To all the volunteers we cant do it with out you guys are awesome. Kelly and Kathleen as usual you guys out done yourselves again thanks so much for keeping us all in line.

Sweet Peppers and Rhythm and Que congratulation to both of you and all who walked. I am sure you fell like I do and are still pinching yourself. To my homeboys from Catalina BBQ you guys did Tucson proud for sure Way to go, congratulation on your first place pork and killing in the back yard division.

To Landon and Summer and the rest of the HDE Agency you guys did a great job putting all the logistics together

And last but surly not least to all the people of the Chandler area who showed up to see competition BBQ and who made this all possible. To Sam Club, San Tan Brewery, Alliance Beverage, Boys and Girls club, AzBarbeque, Whiskey Ranch BBQ and all the other sponsors, we could not do this with out all your support and for that I give you the biggest thanks.”

- Mark Smith, Southern Arizona AzBarbeque Ambassador