The Kingsford® $40K Challenge
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Lotta Bull BBQ shares love of ‘que
Jun 06, 2011
Mike and Debbie Davis have been competing in barbeque for nearly half of their 34-year marriage. Over the years they’ve racked up more than a few wins – most notably their four grand champion wins at the American Royal.
Last weekend in Sevierville, Tenn. was not any different. Lotta Bull BBQ, Mike and Debbie’s team, was named the Kingsford Points Chase winner. They also finished fourth overall and fifth in chicken.
Seventeen years ago, Mike thought the idea of competitive barbeque sounded fun. He’d been an avid backyard griller and decided to see if he could smoke meats better than the local restaurants. Turns out that he could. He’s non-discriminate when it comes to competition meats – he says he loves all the categories because he enjoys the challenge of preparing everything at once and “making it work.”
The name Lotta Bull BBQ was given by Debbie, because, as Mike says, it just fits. The team roster also includes the Davis’s two miniature schnauzers, Aggie and Gabbie Davis.
The team competes in about 40 contests a year, which often keeps them away from their three grandsons. Occasionally the whole family joins the fun. One of their most memorable wins came in 2010 in Waggoner, Okla. where they were joined by all three grandsons (ages 8, 5 and 3). It was the first time all three were able to join them at a cook off.
When they aren’t competing or spoiling their grandsons, Mike and Debbie still like to fire up the backyard grill. His favorite recipe is his Bull Buster Shrimp, which includes their Bull Buster Steak Seasoning mixed with mayonnaise; skewered and grilled hot. As Mike says, “It’s awesome!”
Mike says they will keep on competing until Debbie says it’s time to stop. Judging by their recent success on the barbeque trail, it will be a while before this dynamic duo hangs up their aprons.
