The Kinston BBQ Fest kicked off last night with cook teams from all over competing for the title of BBQ Fest on the Neuse Cook Team winners for 2021. Both the first and second place winners of the product quality were women.

The first place product quality winning cook team is Amy’s Kitchen, Amy Bell. Amy’s Kitchen sponsors were State Farm with Judy Jones, Will Hardy, and Keith Thompson. Their prize, sponsored by ALSCO, was $500.

The second-place product quality winning cook team is South in Your Mouth Cookin’ Team, Brooke South, sponsored by Chick-Fil-A. Their prize, sponsored by GOECO, was $300. 

The third-place product quality winning cook team is Bull Pen BBQ, DJ Stox, sponsored by ServPro. The fourth-place product quality winning cook team is Pickin’ & Grillin BBQ, Kevin Wooten, sponsored by KC Crop Insurance. 

“We had a great time last night, pig turned out perfect, great time with great fellowship, good to be back here you know we missed a year but it's been a great time and glad to be back,” said Kinston BBQ Fest on the Neuse cook team member Chris Turner, sponsored by Physicians East Dr. John and Dr. Heck.

The Sauce Boss winner was Amy’s Kitchen, Amy Bell, sponsored by State Farm with Judy Jones, Will Hardy, and Keith Thompson.

Carolina BBQ League, natural source winner was cook team Bull Pen BBQ, DJ Stox, sponsored by ServPro.

“We enjoy coming out here every year,” said Three Brothers BBQ cook team member Tommy Swinson, sponsored by Crossroads Grill & Bar. “Thanks to Lenoir County and City of Kinston for putting this on every year we have a good time every year. Shout out to everybody, this is probably my 24th year out here now."

"Everybody is at each others throat on Friday night but Saturday morning after the judging is done, it’s more of a camaraderie of everybody and everybody is happy just trying to wait to see what the judges think,” said Evan Wollard President of the Carolina Barbecue League and also a judge for the competition.