KCBS News FeedSam's Club Tour Stop #1: Gilbert, Arizona
April 19, 2011Through rain, wind and cold temperatures, Iowa’s Smokey D’s heated up a winning combination in four meat categories at the Inaugural Sam’s Club® National BBQ Tour in Gilbert, Ariz. this past weekend. Smokey D’s head pitmaster, Darrin Warth from Des Moines, Iowa, traveled a long way to Arizona to compete in the event, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. Traveling is nothing new to Darrin. He competes in over 20 professional BBQ contests each year and has won 35 state BBQ Championships throughout the United States.
Why would a guy from Iowa travel all the way to Gilbert, Ariz.? It’s pretty simple. By winning this event, Darrin and his team qualified to compete in the Regional Event of the Sam’s Club® series in Las Vegas on May 7. The prize purse for that event jumps to $20,000. If he makes it into the top ten in Vegas, he moves on to the National Championship at the Sam’s Club® in Bentonville, Ark. to compete for $100,000!
Thirty teams came out to the Sam’s Club® in Gilbert to compete. The top seven teams made it through to the next round in Vegas. Those teams are:
1. Iowa’s Smokey D’s
2. Smoked to the bone
3. Rhythm ‘n Que
4. Slap Yo’ Daddy BBQ
5. I.A.B. 30 BBQ
6. McFrankenboo BBQ
7. Loot N’ Booty BBQ
The next event in the series is a Region One qualifier in Sacramento, Calif. on Saturday, April 16, 2011. Come out to experience the Sam’s Club® National BBQ Tour. Sampling from nationally known BBQ personality Troy Black will take place from 11:00-4:00. He will also offer tips and secrets on how to create award winning ‘Que in your own back yard.
For a complete schedule and more info on the Inaugural Sam’s Club® National BBQ Tour, click here.
