Dallas barbecue joint headed to NYC for ‘Good Morning America’ live competition
Dallas barbecue joint Smokey John’s won the first competition in the “Good Morning America” United States of BBQ competition, beating out Pecan Lodge to compete in New York City against barbecue chefs from Washington D.C., Tampa and Chicago.
Brothers and Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que & Home Cooking owners Brent and Juan Reaves won over two of the three judges with their Big John sandwich, stuffed with hickory smoked brisket, smokey sausage, homemade cole slaw dressing (“It’s basically grandma’s recipe. We’re proud of it,” the brothers told the judges) and an onion ring with a rib on the side as a “garnish.”
They competed with Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum, with the runner-up barbecue business presenting their Pitmaster Sandwich.
“The Pitmaster Sandwich is basically Texas between two buns,” Diane Fourton, who owns and operates Pecan Lodge with her husband John Fourton, told the judges.
The sandwich is made with brisket, pulled pork, sausage, cole slaw and jalapenos.
In the end, judges Dak Prescott, ESPN commentator Joe Buck and WFAA sports anchor Joe Trahan chose Smokey John’s 2-1, with Buck preferring Pecan Lodge.
The Reaves brothers will be competing in New York City on “Good Morning America” on Monday, May 16. Smokey John’s is at 1820 West Mockingbird Lane.