Myron Mixon Barbeque Co. Smoke Off Application
Interested in putting together a team for our first annual Gatlinburg Smoke-Off? Entry fee is $250 – All proceeds will be going to Smokin For A Cause. We are proud to announce that we are sanctioned with Memphis BBQ Network! Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch or email us at events@kennedy-concepts.com.
OVER ALL WINNER TAKES HOME $5,000
Items to be provided:
Proteins, water, electricity, garbage cans, serving boats, to-go boxes, plastic utensils, and napkins.
Application fees:
$250 entry application fee due by August 20th as well as any donations. Please make all checks out to Myron Mixon BBQ Co. Smoke Off Gatlinburg, TN.
Check-in time is September 26th 2025 at 8am-12pm. Competition doors open to the public September 27th 2025 at 11:00 am-6:00 pm
Click here to download a PDF version of the application form and email us at events@kennedy-concepts.com
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the competition taking place?
September 26–27, 2025 at 407 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Setup is from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, with a mandatory meeting at 2:00 p.m.
What is the entry fee and what does it support?
The entry fee is $250, and proceeds will go toward a non-profit organization. We are committed to maximizing the impact of every dollar to support families during their struggles with pediatric cancer.
What are the required competition categories?
Chicken, Ribs, Pork Butt, and Beef Brisket. All teams must cook Pork Butt for the People’s Choice Award.
What are the turn-in times for each meat category?
11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Chicken Turn In
12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. Ribs Turn In
1:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Pork Butt Turn In
2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Beef Brisket Turn In
What are the cooking site dimensions and setup requirements?
Each team will have a 20×27 ft. space (3 parking spaces). Teams must bring their own grills/smokers and sanitary supplies. No shared cooking spaces or open ground fires.
What fuels are allowed for cooking?
Only charcoal or wood is permitted. No electric grills or smokers are allow
What food safety rules must competitors follow?
Meat must be raw at check-in, proper temperatures maintained, gloves and handwashing are required, and no pets or smoking in cooking areas.
Can teams sell food directly for cash?
No. Teams may not accept cash for food. Only tokens, tickets, or wristbands provided by Kennedy Concepts are permitted.
How is the judging conducted?
Judging is blind and based on appearance, taste, and tenderness using a scale from 2 (inedible) to 9 (excellent). Top 3 places per category and top overall (must compete in all categories) will be awarded.
What is the People’s Choice competition and how does it work?
People’s Choice is for bone-in pork butts only and is judged by event attendees who vote using tickets. It runs from 11:00 a.m. to 2:50 p.m., or until supplies last.