Q&A WITH PIT MASTER WES EDWARDS OF GRILLBUSTERS BBQ

TELL US ABOUT YOU AND YOUR BBQ STYLE.

I'm the type of Pit Master that isn't going to cut corners. What I do is very complicated but extremely fun. Every time I compete or cater, my food goes through a vigorous prep process:

Buy quality meats
Proper trimming to remove waste
Injection
Seasoning
Smoked
Sauced and presented to judge or customers

I take what I have learned in the competition world and at home, then bring to my customers. I find most people have not tasted this style of flavoring and enjoy it. The same old style gets old to people. Mat Griner with Southern Q taught me to constantly practice and test in order to be a better Pit Master. This is the key to success.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PARTICIPATING IN THE COMPETITIVE BBQ WORLD?

2019 will be my 4th season in Competition BBQ. I started like many not knowing only but the basics. You quickly learn what you cook at home isn't good enough for judges. You have to be perfect in presentation, taste and tenderness. Currently, I am a member of Pork Star Nation, which is Grillbusters along with 4 other teams. We are friends in BBQ. I've been fortunate enough to earn several trophy calls. Grillbusters has earned 1st in pork and ribs, which was Cheshire Pork. Our highest overall finish to date is 3rd overall. We continuously strive for that Grand Championship one day.

WHAT’S YOUR FIRST THOUGHT IN THE MORNING WHEN YOU WAKE UP TO COMPETE IN A BBQ COMPETITION?

My first thought in the morning is "Let's Roll"! This means let's get focused on doing our very best to prepare, cook and present to the judges a product that they find pleasing. The morning of turn in's to the judges is like fighting fire! A lot of focus, hitting your marks and making sure food is done on time. If you miss a turn in time then you are immediately last in that category.

WHY DO YOU CHOOSE CHESHIRE PORK?

So there is pork, and then there is Cheshire Pork. The difference is unbelievable. Cheshire Pork has more marbling in the pork, which equates to tons of flavor and tenderness. Being all natural makes this pork second to none. The color of Cheshire Pork immediately screams quality as compared to others. I only use Cheshire Pork in competitions and caterings. My customers as well as competition judges deserve the very best product available and that's Cheshire Pork.

WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO?

First and foremost, I look up to Jesus Christ. Without Him, I wouldn't be able to do what I love. Secondly, my family. My wife is 100% supportive of what I do. My son is my driving force to be successful. Hopefully one day he will want to continue this and I can pass on the torch. Lastly, is my parents and friends. My parents show up to most events and help with people's choice. Thank God for them! My BBQ friends Bobby, Chris, Drew and Mat just help to add a security of knowing good friends are close by if I need any help.

I’d also like to give a special shout out to my awesome sponsors:

Heritage Farms Cheshire Pork
Tillmans BBQ
Grindstaff Rub Co.
Heath Riles BBQ
Texas Oil Dust
Dynamite Trailers
RecTec Grills