From 2000 to 2007, Chad and Chris honed their culinary skills side by side in a busy restaurant kitchen that offered everything from classic burgers to sophisticated Italian fare, mastering a diverse range of flavors and techniques. While Chris decided to explore a career outside of the food industry in 2007, Chad continued sharpening his expertise, working in renowned restaurants and developing a top-tier skill set that would later become essential to their joint venture.
In 2011, Chris discovered his passion for competition BBQ and quickly made a name for himself on the circuit, earning numerous accolades and building a loyal following who couldn’t get enough of his mouthwatering barbecue. Recognizing the potential to bring their combined talents to a wider audience, Chad and Chris reunited in 2017 to transform Heavy Smoke BBQ from a competition team into a full-fledged business. By blending Chad’s refined kitchen expertise with Chris’s championship-winning BBQ techniques, they crafted a unique menu that goes beyond traditional barbecue, offering a wide variety of flavorful options — all at prices that deliver exceptional value.
The year 2020 marked a milestone for Heavy Smoke BBQ with the opening of its very first brick-and-mortar restaurant. Today, whether you’re stopping in for a hearty dine-in experience or grabbing delicious carry-out, you can enjoy award-winning BBQ made with passion, skill, and a commitment to quality.
While we are fully dedicated to delivering the best food and service possible to every customer, our roots remain deeply planted in the competitive BBQ world. Follow our journey to see our growing list of awards from competitions and vending events, and be sure to connect with us on social media to join the Heavy Smoke BBQ community and stay up to date on all things BBQ.
Competition Awards
2019 - KCBS Invitational World Championship
2021 - KCBS Invitational World Championship
2022 - Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Grand Champion
2014 - Our First Ever Grand Champion
2015 - Budweiser BBQ Series Grand Champion
2016 - 2nd Overall SLBS TOY
2017 - 3rd overall SLBS TOY
2017 - Arcadia Grand Champion
2017 - Oran Grand Champion
2018 - Marine IL Grand Champion
2018 - Spit On The Water Grand Champion
2019 - CCS Fest Grand Champion
2019 - Collinsville GC and Effingham Grand Champion
2019 - Edwardsville Grand Champion
2023 - Smoke On The Osage Grand Champion
2019 - KCBS TOY 17th Overall
2019 - Peoria Grand Champion
2019 - Pros Vs Joes Grand Champion
2019 - SLBS TOY champion
2019 - Smokin With Smithfield Grand Champion
2020 - Baldwin City Grand Champion
2020 - Eureka IL day 2 Grand Champion
2020 - Qlathe Grand Champion
2021 - Boo B Que Grand Champion
2021 - Cape BBQ Fest Grand Champion
2021 - Harvest On Fire Grand Champion
2021 - Heritage Days Grand Champion
2021 - Honor-Q Grand Champion
2024 - Ribs on the Ridge Grand Champion
2021 - KCBS Invitational
2021 - KCBS TOY 3rd Overall
2021 - Smokin In The Creek Grand Champion
2022 - Heritage Days Grand Champion
2025 - West Plains Grand Champion
2022 - KCBS TOY 3rd Overall
2025 - KCBS Invitational Rib World Champion
2022 - Peyton's 1st Place Burger in Colorado
Tell-All Competition BBQ Class by Heavy Smoke
Ready to take your BBQ skills to the next level? Join the pitmasters behind Heavy Smoke BBQ for an exclusive tell-all competition BBQ class where we pull back the curtain on everything it takes to succeed on the circuit. From selecting the right cuts of meat to mastering flavor profiles, timing, and presentation, this class covers it all — no secrets held back. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, you’ll learn the exact methods that helped us win championships and turn our passion into a thriving restaurant. Spots are limited, so sign up today and start cooking like a pro!
